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EXTRACTS 


MINUTES 


GENERAL  ASSEMBLT 


'^PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH 


UNITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA, 

A.  D.  1804. 


Philadelphia : 

.  FROM    THE    PRESS    OF    THE    LATE    R.    AITKES", 

PRINTED  BY  JANE  AITKEN,  No.  20,   NORTH  THIRD 
STREET. 


1804. 


At  a  general  assembly  of  the  Presbyte- 
rian CHURCH,  ^^C.  HELD  IN  PHILADELPHIA 
IN  MAY    1804  : 

"  RESOLVED.... That  the  Reverend  Messrs. 
Janextay  and  Potts,  aided  hif  the  Pernuuient  Vleik, 
be  a  commiUee,  to  select  such  parts  of  the  Records  of 
this  Assenibiy,  as  they  shall  judge  proper  to  be 
putdished  J->r  the  injormation  oj  the  people  and  judi- 
catories oj  thi  Church  :  That  the  said  clerk  tran- 
scribe the  same,  and  superintend  the  printing  arid 
distribution  oj  1500  copies;  allotting  a  part  to  each 
Presbitery,  proportioned  to  the  number  oj  its  members, 
and  churches. 

Resolved.... That  the  said  committee  subjoin 
to  the  extracts,  some  account  oj  the  glorious  prospects 
of  usefulness  opened  to  the  Assembly  by  the  reports 
of  their  Missionaries  among  the  Indians ;  affording 
ample  encouragement  to  perseverance  in  a  work, 
ojten  pronounced  hopeless.'' 


EXTRACTS 


FROM   THE 


Minutes  of  the  General  Assembly. 


May  17th,  1804. 

1  HE  General  Aflembly  of  the  Prefbyterian  Church  in  the 
United  States  of  America,  met,  agreeably  to  appointment,  in  the 
firft  Prefbyterian  church  in  the  cityof  Philadelphia,  at  eleven  o'clock, 
A.  M.  and  was  opened  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  James  Hall,  the  Mode- 
rator of  laft  Aflembly,  with  a  fermon  from  Rom.  x.    I. 

"  Brethren,  my  heart's  desire,  and  prayer  to  God  for  Israel  is,  that 
they  might  be  saved" 
After  prayer,  the  commiflions  were  read,  when  it  appeared,  that 
the  following  minifters  ?,nd  elders,  were  duly   appointed,  and  at- 
tended as  coramiflioners  to  this  Aflembly ;  viz. 

Of  the  Prejbytery  of  Oneida  ; 
The  Rev.   Samuel  F.  Snowden, 

■         Jedediah  Chapman. 

Of  the  Prejbytery  of  Columbia; 
The  Rev.  Jonas  Coe.* 

Of  the  Prejbytery  of  Alb  any ; 
The  Rev.  Jofeph  Sweetman. 

Of  the  Prejbytery  of  Hudson; 
The  Rev.  Jonathan  Freeman. 

Of  the  Prejbytery  of  New-Tork; 
The  Rev.  Dr.  John  Rodgers,         Mr.  Henry  Rutgers,  T 

The  Rev.  Edward  D.  Griffin, Gilbert  Allen,     I  Elders. 

Buckley  Carl,  Prefervc  Riggs   J 

Amzi  Armftrong.-j- 

Of  the  Prejbytery  of  Long-IJland; 
The  Rev.  Aaron  Woolworth. 


•  Appeared  in  the  houfc  the  4th  day  of  the  feflions. 
f  Appeared  in  the  houfe  the  3d  day  of  the  feffions. 


Of  the  Prejhytery  of  Neiu-Brunjiu'icl ; 
The  Rer.  Dr.  Samuel  S.  Smith,      Mr.  John  Bayard,     1   ttu 

The  Rev.  James  F    Armftrong,     Jjaniel  Agnew.  J 

Jofeph  Clark, 

Holloway  Hunt. 

Of  the  Prejhytery  of  Philadelphia ; 
The  Rev.  T)x.  Wm.  M   Tennent,     Mr.  David  Cloyd.T 

The  Rev,  Jacob  J.  Janeway, Charles  Ogden,  |-  Elders, 

George  Potts.  Robert  Erwine.  J 

Of  the  Prfbytery  of  Nenv-Cajlle } 
The  Rev.  William  Aithur,  Mr.  Samuel  Barr,  T 

Francis  A.  Latta,       James  Porter,  V  Elders, 

John  E    Latta.  Geo   M'llvaine.*  J 

Of  the  Prejhytery  of  Carlifle; 
The  Rev.  Dr    Robert  Cooper,f     Mr.  James  M'Lene,-{- 1   ejj- 

The  Rev.  John  Linn,  Robert  Brown.ij:  J 

Robert  Kennedy, 

. David  M'Connaughy. 

Of  the  Prejhytery  of  Lewis  ^ 
The  Rev.  Stuart  Williamson. 

Of  the  Prjbytery  of  Baltimore ; 
The  Rev.  James  Inglis. 

Of  I  he  Prejhytery  of  Huntingdon; 
The  Rev.  John  Coulter.  Mr.  Wm.  Montgomery,^   Elder. 

Samuel  Bryson. 

Of  the  Prejhytery  of  Redjone; 
The  Rev.  Jacob    Jennings, 

Robert  Steele. 

Of  the  Prefhytery  of  Ohio; 
The  Rev.  James  Hughes, 

Stephen  Lindley, 

Cephas  Dodd. 

Of  the  Prejhytery  of  Erie; 
The  Rev.  Thomas  E.   Hughes. 

Uf  the   Predytery  of  Winchester ; 
The  Rev.  Nafh  Le  Grand. 

Of  the  Presbytery  of  Lexington; 
The  Rev.  Samuel  Brown,  Mr.  Alexander  Nelson, f]  Elder. 
John  M'Cue. 

*  Appeared  in  the  houfe,  the  4th  clay  of  the  feflioiis. 

I  Appeared  each,  the  2d  day  of  the  ftfTior-s. 

%  Appeared  in  the  houfe,  the  6th  day  of  the  feffions. 

^  Appeared  in  the  houfe,  the  4th  day  of  the  feflions. 

d  Appeared  In  the  houfe,  the  loth  day  of  the  feflion*. 


45 


Of  the  Presbytery  of  Concord; 
The  Rer.  Dr.  James  Hall, 
The  Rev.  William  C,  Davis. 

Of  the  2d  Presbytery  of  South  Carolina; 
The  Rev.   Robert  Wilfon.* 

The  Revd  Do(^or  Matthias  Burnet,  and  the  Revd.  Dan 
Huntingdon  appeared  in  the  Aflembly,  and  exhibited  a  certificate  • 
of  their  appointment,  as  delegates  to  this  Aflembly,  from  the  Ge- 
neral Aflbciation  of  Connecticut:  the  certificate  being  read  and  ap- 
proved, they  took  their  feats  as  Members,  agreeably  to  their  ap- 
pointment. 

The  Revd.  James  F.  Armftrong  was  ichofen  Moderator  of  the 
AflTembly,  and  the  Revd.  John  E.  Latta,  temporary  Clerk. 

Whereas  the  Aflembly,  for  feveral  years  pafi:,  have  been  taking 
meafures  to  obtain  materials  for  a  complete  hi(tory  of  the  Prefljyte- 
rian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America;  which  materials, 
as  far  as  they  have  been  obtained,  are  in  the  hands  of  the  ftated 
Clerk;  and  it  feems  expedient  that  the  hiftory  contemplated,  fliould 
be  entered  upon  as  foon  as  poflible;  therefore, 

Refohed,  That  the  Rev.  Dr.  Aflibel  Green,  and  Mr.  Ebene- 
zer  Hazard,  be,  and  they  hereby  are,  appointed  to  write  the  Hifto- 
ry of  the  Prefbyterian  Church,  in  the  United  States  of  America; 
under  the  care  of  the  General  Aflembly;  and  to  lay  a  copy  thereof, 
when  completed,  before  the  Afl'embly:  that  they  have  the  free  ufe 
of  the  materials  colleded  ;  and  that  the  copy  right  of  the  Hiftory, 
when  finifhed,  (hall  belong  to  the  faid  Dr.  Green  and  Mr.   Hazard. 

And  whereas  there  are  certain  Prefljyteries  and  congregations, 
under  the  care  of  the  Aflembly,  that  have  not  yet  furniihed  materi- 
als for  their  hiftory,  though  often  folicited,  therefore, 

Refohedy  That  all  the  Preibyteries  &  congregations  be,  and  they 
hereby  are,  ftriflly  enjoined,  to  do  all  in  their  power  to  complete 
their  hiftories  as  foon  as  poflible,  and  to  forward  them  without  de- 
lay, to  the  faid  Dr.  Green  and  Mr.  Hazard,  relident  in  the  City 
of  Philadelphia,  who  are  hereby  authorized,  if  they  find  it  neceflla- 
ry,  to  write  to  the  Preft)yteries  and  Congregations  that  may  not 
forward  to  them  the  hiftorical  documents  required;  and  to  urge 
them  to  the  performance  of  their  duty,  and  to  ftate  to  the  Aflembly 
the  names  of  thofe  Preft)yteries  and  Congregations,  if  fuch  there  be, 
who  fliall  not  ultimately  furnifli  the  information  necefl'ary. 

And  this  Aflembly  do  alfo  hereby  recommend  to  all  the  people 
under  their  care,  efpecially  to  gentlemen  of  literature  and  leifure, 
within  their  bounds,  to  furnifli  the  gentlemen  appointed  to  tkis  fer- 

*  Appeared  in  the  houfc,  the  5th  day  of  thr  feffions. 


46 

vice,  with  all  the  information  in  their  power  to  give,  relative  to  the 
hiftory  in  contemplation,  that  this  important  work  may  be  comple- 
ted, in  a  manner  as  accurate  and  fatisfaftory  as  poffible. 

A  communication  from  the  Convention  of  the  Congregational 
Minifters  of  the  State  of  Vermont,  was  received  and  read.  From 
this  it  appeared  that  the  Convention  have  ratified,  on  their  part,  the 
plan  of  union  and  correfpondence  (agreed  upon  and  tranfmitted 
to  them  by  the  lart:  AfTembly)  with  one  exception,  viz.  That  the 
Convention,  confidering  the  fmallnefs  of  their  number,  and  diftance 
from  the  AfTembly's  ufual  place  of  meeting,  cannot  promife  to  fend 
an  annual  delegation  to  the  General  Affembly. 

Resohcd,  That  this  Aflembly  accept  and  ratify,  on  their  part 
and  behalf,  the  Hiid  plan  of  union  and  correfpondence,  with  the 
exception  aforefaid;  and  that  the  AfTembly  will,  for  the  prefentyear, 
fend  one  delegate  to  attend  the  next  meeting  of  the  Convention. 

Agreeably  to  an  appointment  made  by  the  (landing  committee  of 
MilTions,  the  Revd.  Dr.  Samuel  S.  Smith,  Pre  fid  cnt  of  the  Col- 
lege of  New-Jerfey,  delivered  laft  evening,  in  this  Church,  a  Miffi- 
onary  fermon,  from  John  iv.  35 — Lift  up  your  eyes,  and  look  on  tht 
Jie'uls,  for  they  are  white  already  to  harvejl. 
On  motion, 
Refhedy  That  the  faid  committee  prefent  the  thanks  of  this  AC- 
fembly  to  Dr.  Smith  for  his  fermon,  and  requeft  a  copy  for  publi- 
cation.* 

Refolved,  That  thofe  who  have  heretofore  received  appointments 
as  agents,  for  procuring  fubfcriptions  for  the  permanent  fund,  conti- 
nue their  exertions  during  the  enfuing  year,  at  difcretion  :  that  they 
efpecially  endeavour  to  collec'^  the  funis  already  fubfcribed  ;  and  pre- 
pare to  fettle  their  accounts  finally,  during  the  feffions  of  the  next 
General  AfTembly. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  letter  from  the  Revd. 
David  Rice,  reported  the  draught  of  a  letter,  purporting  to  be  an  an- 
fv/er  from  this  AfTembly  to  the  letter  of  Mr.  Rice. 

The  draught  being  confidered  and  amended,  was  adopted,  and  is 
as  follows. 

*  Dr.  Smith  dcdiaed  giving  a  copy. 


47 

t)EAR.  Sir, 

YOUR  letter  of  the  i8th  of  April  has  been  regularly  laid  be- 
fore the  General  AfTembly  ;  and  although  it  ought  to  have  been  ac- 
companied with  an  cxtraft  from  the  minutes  of  the  Prefbytery  Oi 
Tranfylvania,  yet,  the  A iTembly,  having  perfed  confidence  in  you, 
eafiiy  waved  /hat  formality. 

The  enquiry  which  you  propofe,  in  the  name  of  the  Prefbytery, 
concerning  the  propriety,  in  your  prefent  circumftances,  of  licenfing 
and  ordaining  men  to  the  work  of  the  gofpel  miniftry,  without  a 
liberal  education,  is  certainly  of  great  magnitude.  Conlidering  the 
great  and  ardent  zeal  on  the  fubjedt  of  religion,  which  has  been 
awakened  throughout  fo  large  a  portion  of  the  United  States ;  the 
multitudes  who  are  earneftly  demanding  of  you  the  bread  of  life, 
and  the  fev/,  comparatively,  who  are  regularly  ordained  to  break  it 
among  them ;  the  realbning  feems  fpecious  at  firfl:,  which  would 
encourage  us,  in  the  inftances  you  mention,  to  depart  from  the  fpirit 
of  our  (tandards  upon  this  fubjedt  :  and  fome  plaufible  fafts  fre- 
quently occur,  which  appear  to  confirm  this  reafoning,  and  midead 
the  judgments  of  many  honeft  and  well  meaning  men.  On  all  fub- 
jefls  on  wiiich  the  human  mind  is  roufed  to  uncommon  exertions, 
and  inflamed  with  uncommon  ardor,  men  become  eloquent  for  a 
feafon ;  and  even  the  mofl  weak  and  ignorant,  often  furprife  us  by 
the  fluency,  and  pertinency,  as  well  as  fervor  of  their  exprefTions. 
And  in  general  revivals  of  the  fpirit  of  religion,  that  copioufnefs  and 
pathos  in  prayer  and  exhortation,  which  are  not  uncommonly  to  be 
found, even  among  menwho  aredeftitute  of  anyliberal  cultureof  mind; 
and  often  even  of  any  confiderable  natural  talents,  may  tempt  them- 
felves,  and  lead  others  to  conclude,  that  they  are  endued  with  pecu- 
liar and  extraordinary  gifts  for  the  fervice  of  the  church,  which  oughs 
not  to  be  fuirercd  to  lie  ufelefs  and  unemployed. 

An  ardent  zeal,  too  often  united  with  a  certain  fpiritual  pride, 
arid  ftrong  felf-love,  is  apt  to  infpire  fome  weak  perfons,  of  an  enthufi- 
aiHc  temperament,  with  vehement  impulfes  to  preach  the  gofpel ; 
which  they  flatter  themfelves  are  calls  from  Heaven. — But  experi- 
ence has  repeatedly  fhewn  us,  that  thefe  inward  impulfes  mofl  com- 
monly  afFed  men  of  great  imbecility  of  mind,  or  of  flrong  vanity — 
experience  farther  fhews,  that  when  this  fervor  is  fomewhat  abated, 
all  their  barrennefs,  and  defed  of  furniture  for  the  holy  miniflry, 
and  the  found  interpretation  of  the  facred  fcriptures,  become  mani- 
feR  :  and  too  many  unhappy  examples  have  occurred,  ofthofe  who 
have  abandoned  good  morals,  when  deferted  by  their  zeal.  And  with 
regard  to  fuppofed  calls  to  preach  the  gofpel;  no  man  can  be  rightly 
called  to  that  facred  office,  out  of  the  regular  order  which  Chrift  has 
eflablifhed  in  his  church — no  fuch  inward  call  can  be  judged  of  by  any 
B 


48 


ihixTch  judicatory,  nor  dillinguillied  by  any  certain  cntcrion,  from 
the  vifionary  impulfcs  of  enthufkfm.  The  judicatories  of  the  church 
can  judge  only  of  the  life  and  converfation  of  men ;  their  knowledge, 
and  their  talents  to  teach. 

Befides,  we  know  that  the  nature  of  true  religion  is,  to  render 
nu'n  luimble.  And  fuch  is  the  folemnity  and  importance  of  the  duty, 
ci  interpreting  the  word  of  God  to  the  people,  and  fpeaking  in  his 
name,  that  a  ilncere  penitent  v  ill  rather  w.iit  to  be  fought  out,  than 
forwardly  intrude  himfelf  into  fo  holy  a  calling.  And  do  we.nct 
find,  in  fa^ft,  that  they  are  not  ufually  the  mofl:  prudent,  judiiiour^ 
and  qualified  to  teach  among  the  laity,  v/ho  are  moil:  folicitous  to  be 
condituted  puMic  guides  and  inftnictors  in  the  church? 

We  do  not  fiv  th.u  a  liberal  education  is  abfolutely  effential  to 
a  man's  ufefalnefs  in  the  miniftry  of  t!ie  gcfpel ;  but  reafon  and  ex- 
perience both  demonftrate  its  high  importance  and  utility.  And 
where  ignorant  men  are  permitted  to  explain  the  holy  fcriptun-es, 
it  ought  to  be  fi;bjei5l  tothedireu^ion  and  control  of  others,  of  greater 
knowledge.  But  this  is  an  order  which  it  has  not  been  thooght  pro- 
per to  adopt,  in  the  Prefbyterian  church.  And  the  iuperior  compa- 
rative profperity  and  ufefulnefs  of  aur  church,  and  that  of  our  caflern 
brethren,  which  is  iimilarly  conllituted,  is  a  demonllration  by  no 
means  equivocal,  of  the  approbation  and  fmiles  of  heaven  upon  us, 
in  the  excrcife  of  our  prelent  firm  of  government  and  difcipline. — 
But,  v.ere  our  opinion  on  this  iubjecl  dilferent  from  what  it  is,  we 
cannot  lawfully  and  confcientiouOy  depart  from  our  j)refent  ftandards, 
till  they  be  changed  in  an  orderly  manner,  by  the  conlent  of  a  majo- 
rity of  the  Prefbyteries,  which  comn-jfe  the  body  of  the  Gener;4 
Aden-.bly. 

You  exprefs  your  apprchenlions  left,  if  certain  iHiterate  and  un- 
qualified men,  Ihouid  not  be  admitted  to  the  miniftry  of  the  gofpel 
among  you,  they  may  withdraw  from  the  church,  and  become  the 
promoters  of  dangerous  fchifms.  We  anf-.^-er,  the  path  of  duty  is 
a  fafe  path.  Do  what  is  right,  and  commit  the  event  to  God.  If 
they  are  men  ot  fuch  a  fpirit,  it  is  only  a  nev/  proof  that  they  are  mofl 
unfit  for  the  office  to  which  they  afpire.  Parties  created  by  them, 
will  neither  be  important,  nor  durable.  But  if  the  gales  of  the 
church  are  opened  to  weakncfs  and  ignorance;  flie  will  foon  be  over- 
flowed with  errors,  and  with  the  wildeft  diforders.  We  (hall  bring 
the  minillry  into  difgrace  and  contempt,  which  iliould  be  like  the 
prieflhood  of  Aaron,  v/ithout  blemiflr. — If  men  are  fincerely  dcfirous 
of  promoting  the  glory  of  God,  let  them  firft  bellow  the  neceflary 
pains  and  time,  to  acquire  the  requilite  qualifications,  for  feeding  and 
leading  the  flock  of  Chrift:  let  them  be  regularly  initiated  into  the 
priefthood;  and  not  haften  to  offer  unhallowed  fire  on  God's  altar. 
If  they  arc  fincerely  defirous  of  doing  good,  let  thcra  do  it  m  that 


49 


Tphere,  in  which  they  appear  dcftined  by  irovidence. to  move.  In 
thist  every  chridian,  the  pooreft  and  the  humblcfl:;  has  ample  fcope  to 
exercife  his  pious  and  benevolent  difpofiiionG,  and  to  exeu  his. talents, 
v/hdtever  they  may  be. 

Notwithflandin|T  the  precedin^r  refieflions,  it  is  the  opinion  of 
this  Aflenibly .  tiiat  where  the  field  of'  labor  is  too  extenfive  for  the  or- 
dinary and  regiil.T  miniftry,  certain  alTiflants,  like  the  helps  or  ca- 
techids  of  the  piimitive  church,  may,  under  propf.r  reliridlions  and 
jimitations,  bs  'afefully  employed  in  inftrucfting  the  young  iia  the 
principles  oi  our  holy  rtligion ;  and  conducting  the  ];raying  and  vo- 
luntary focieties  of  private  chiiilians.  Great  caution,  hov/ever,  ought 
to  be  ufed  in  employing  fuch  an  order  of  men ;  lefl:  an  indir.creet  zeal, 
fhould  impel  them  to  extravagancies  which  r,i;iy  prove  difiionor.;hie 
and  injurious  to  religion;  or  left,  being  lifted  up  with  pride,  they 
come  at  length  to  fijurn  the  authority  which  has  appointed  them,  cre- 
ate divificns  in  the  church,  and  {o  Jail  into  the  condemnation  of  ihi 
Devi!.  In  fome  parts  of  the  church  their  utility  might  be  very  great, 
while  in  others,  they  would  prove  not  only  ufelefs,  but  dangerous. 
]t  mult  be  leftfolely  to  the  regular  and  eitablilhed  judicatories  of  the 
church,  according  to  the  circumiiances  v/hich  may  exifl:  within  their 
refpcfHve  limits,  to  judge  upon  this  fubjecl.  But,  wherever  it  may 
b^  thought  expedient  to  reiort  to  fuch  helps,  we  give  it  as  our  advice 
that  noncrbe  employed  but  men  oi pnuknt  and  found xi\\"Az,  as  well  as 
of  lincere  piety :  men  who  are  humble,  and  willing  to  fubmit  to  order, 
as  well  as  zealous  in  the  fervice  of  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrifh  Let  tlieir 
duties  be  clearly  pointed  out  to  them,  and  circumfcribed  within  pie- 
cif::;  limits.  And  under  the  di.ection  of.the  PreH-sytcry,  let.tliem,  as 
frequently  as  podible,  be  villted,  and  their  condud  infpecled,  to  fee 
\lo\^  far  they  are  both  able  ;ind  iaithfulin  dilchavge  of  the  trull  com- 
mitted to  them.  They  are  not  to  be  confidered  as  (landing  officers 
in  the  church;  but  may  be  appointed,  or  removed,  at  the  difcretion 
of  the  Prelbytery.  But.  if  any,  upon  full  experience,  are  found  to 
poffefs  uncommon  talents;  arc  diligent  to  acquire  the  requifite  qualiii- 
gations  for  preaching  the  gofpel,  and  prcmife  to  be  eminently  ufeful  in 
the  church,  they  may,  in  time,  pitrchnf'  to  tJ^emftlvcs  a  good  degree,  and 
,be  admitted  according  to  the  regular  courfe,  to  the  holy  miniftry, 
Thefe  things -we  leave  to  your  prudence,  and  arc,  Bcrir  Sir, 

Your  brethren,  and 

Fellow  labourers,  t,iz. 
:Signed  by  order  &c. 

Moderator. 


50 


Refolded,  That  a  copy  of  the  foregoing  lettei-,  be  figned  by  the 
Moderator,  addrefsed  and  fent  to  Mr.  Rice,  to  be  communicated 
to  the  Prefsytery  of  Tranfylvania. 

The  AfTembly,  agreeably  to  the  order  of  the  day,  proceeded  to 
confider  the  reference  from  the  Synod  of  Pittfourgh,  relating  to  a 
certain  Marriage. 

Ir  appeared  that  a  Mr.  James  Gafton,  had  been  cenfured,  as  guilty 
of  hicefl,  for  having  married  a  woman  who  v/as  fiftei's  daughter  to 
his  former  wife ;  and  had  brought  the  caufe,  by  appeal,  to  the  Synod 
of  Pittfburgh.  The  Synod,  conceiving  that  the  caufe  involved  a 
high  queftion  of  difcipline,  chofe  to  refer  it  to  the  General  AlTembly, 
for  their  decifion. 

The  Aflembly  having  difcufTed  the  fubjefl,  at  fome  length,  a  mo- 
tion was  made  and  feconded,  that  the  decifion  given  ly  the  General 
Jljfdtnbly  in  the  year  l8o2,  in  a  cafe precifelyfwiilar,  be  adopted  as  the 
decifion  c?i  the  prefmt  occafion.  After  fome  confideration,  a  motion 
was  made  and  carried,  to  pojlpone  the  motion  before  the  houfe,  in  order 
io  introduce  thefoUoiving  as  afulflitute,  viz. 

The  AfTembly  having  given  repeated  decifions  on  fimilar  cafes, 
cannot  advife  to  annul  fuch  marriages,  or  pronounce  them,  in  fuch 
a  degree  unlawful,  as  that  the  parties,  if  otherwife  worthy,  fhould  be 
debarred  from  the  privileges  of  the  Church.  But  as  great  diverfity 
of  opinion  appears  to  exift  on  fuch  quefticns,  in  different  parts  of  die 
Church  ;  fo  that  no  abfoKite  rule  can  be  enjoined  with  regard  to  them, 
that  (hall  be  univerfally  binding,  and  confiftent  witli  the  peace  of  the 
Church :  and  as  the  cafes  in  queftion  are  efteemed  to  be  doubtful, 
the  Aflembly  is  cotiftrained  to  leave  it  to  the  difcretion  of  the  inferior 
judicatories,  under  their  care,  to  adt  according  to  their  own  beft 
lights,  and  the  circumftances  in  which  they  find  themfelvcs  placed. 

A  queftion  was  then  taken  to  agree  to  the  fubftitute^  and  determin- 
ed in  the  affirmative, 

Refolvcd,  That  this  Affem»bly  will,  on  Tuefday  next,  enter  into  a 
free  converfation  on  the  general  ftate  of  religion,  within  their  limits. 

Refihed,  That  Dr.  Smith,  Dr.  Hall  and  the  Rev.  James 
Hughes,  be  a  committee  to  talie  notes  of  the  information  which  may 
be  given  on  this  fubjeft  ;  to  form  the  fame  into  a  general  and  conneift- 
td  report,  and  lay  it  before  the  AfTembly. 

The  AfTembly  proceeded,  agreeably  to  the  order  of  the  day,  to  a 
free  converfation  oa  the  general  ftate  of  religion,  within  the  bounds 
of  the  General  Aflembly. 

The  members  being  called,  in  the  order  of  the  roll,  gave  fuch  in- 
formation on  this  fubjesft,  as  their  local  fituation  enabled  them  to  give. 
Accounts  were  received  from  moft  of  the  Prcfbyteries  under  the  care 
of  tlie  General  Aflembly  ;  and  the  delegates  from  the  General  AfTo- 


51 


elation  of  Connedticut,  communicated  fome  intercfling  information, 
refpedling  the  appearances  of  religion  in  that  llate. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  draw  up,  and  prtfent  to  this  house,  a 
fummary  of  the  information  received  in  the  Affembly,  during  the 
free  converfation  on  the  general  ftate  of  religion,  exhibited  their  re- 
port. 

The  report  being  read  and  amended  was  adopted  as  follows. 

ALTHOUGH  every  flncere  chriftian  muft  lament  that 
inattention  to  the  ordinances  of  religion,  and  the  Imall  imprcfiion 
which  its  facred  truths  make  on  the  hearts  of  men,  which  are  vi- 
fible  in  many  and  extenfive  portions  of  our  country;  yet,  the  As- 
fembly  have  heard,  v/ith  the  higheft  fatisiaflion,  of  the  prevalence, 
and  increafing  influence  of  vital  and  pradlical  godlinefs  throughout 
the  greater  part  of  the  Prefbyteries  which  compofe  our  body.  With- 
in thofe  wide  diftridts,  towards  the  fouth  and  v,  cR,  from  v;hich  the 
Jaft  Aflembly  heard,  v/ith  fo  much  pleafurc,  the  glad  tidings  of  the 
great  falvation  manifefted  there;  the  power  of  leligion  appears  flill 
to  prevail,  with  little  abatement.  And  although  through  the  fubtlety 
of  the  adverfary  of  iouls,  and  the  influence  of  human  frailty,  fomc 
errors,  extravagancies,  and  inilances  of  reproachful  behavio\u,  have 
taken  place,  which  the  Affembly  do  fincereiy  regret,  and  mofl  un- 
equivocally difapprove  and  condemn;  yet  arc  they  happy  to  learn, 
and  it  is  a  facred  duty,  v.'h.ich  they  ewe  to  the  clrurches,  to  announce,, 
that,  notv/lihflanding  the  malignity  with  which  the  enemies  of  reli- 
gion have  fludied  to  mifreprelent,  and  rejoiced  to  exaggerate  thcfe 
undeflrable  events,  they  are  chiefly  confined  to  one  diltridt  of  no  grca^; 
extent;  and  they  are  certainly  very  rare,  confidering  the  immenfc 
region,  through  v/hich  this  work  has  prevailed,  and  the  vafu  vaiicLy  of 
charafiers  who  have  been  its  fubjeds. 

The  Aflembly,  moreover,  have  the  unfpeakable  fatisfaclion  to 
announce,  that  the  extraordinary  influences  of  the  Divine  Spirit 
have,  fince  the  lafl  year,  been  fpread  over  new  and  very  extenfive 
countries,  ftiU  fartlier  to  the  fouth  and  weft.  To  the  north-weft 
and  north,  from  the  river  Ohio  to  the  Lakes,  a  vafl  region  which, 
a  few  years  ago,  was  an  uninhabited  wildernefs,  new  churches  are 
forming  with  aftonifhing  rapidity:  and  the  Spirit  of  God  feems 
to  be  remarkably  poured  out,  and  to  accompany  the  word,  and  or- 
dinances of  the  gofpel,  with  the  moft  folemn  and  aftcding  impreilions. 

The  fame  fpirit  appears  to  prevail  through  a  large  portion  of  the 
Synod  of  New  York  and  Nev/  Jerfcy  and  the  Synod  of  Albanj'. 
Its  efFecls  though  more  flient,  feern  to  be  not  lefs  deep,  nor  confo- 
ling  to  the  friends  of  true  religion.  Sinners  are  convinced,  and 
fincere  believers  comforted,  and  eftablifhed  in  the  faith  and  hope 
of  the  gofpel.  Trophies  are  continually  raifed  to  the  grace  of  the 
Redeemer;  and  numbers  are  almofl  daily  added  to  the  church  of 
fi.ith,  we  trufl,  as  fhall  be  favcd.     In  the  churches  in  which  thefs 


52 

■^xtTaordinary  influences  of  the  Divine  Spirit  are  not  fo  confpicuous, 
the  power,  and  the  falutar)-  effects  of  the  ordinances  of  the  gofpel, 
feem,  notwithftanding,  to  be  viubly  progrelTing.  That  inattention 
io  the  things  of  religion;  that  neglect  of  its  inititutions;  that  tenden- 
cy to  infidelity,  or  to  fcepticifm  in  principle,  and  to  diffolutenefs  of 
manners,  which,  a  few  years  fince,  the  truly  pious  had  fo  much  reafon 
to  deplore,  are,  in  moft  places,  evidently  arrefted;  and  the  tid£  of 
j)ublic  fentirnent  is  happily  begun  to  flow  in  a  contrary  diredion. 
Places  of  divine  v.orfhip  are,  in  general,  more  frequented  ;  die  in- 
flitutions  of  religion  are  held  in  higher  honor,  and  attended  with 
greater  folemnity,  and  apparent  devotion. — The  like  agreeable  ti- 
dings have  been  received  from  our  affociated  brethren  of  the  eaftern 
churches,  who  are  dwelling  together  in  peace,  and  in  the  unity  and 
f.tith  of  the  bleffed  gofpel. 

The  AfTembly  have  likev/ife  heard,  with  uncommon  fatlsfaclion, 
of  the  increafing  number  of  focieties  for  the  purpofes  of  prayer, 
and  for  the  promotion  of  piety  and  good  morals.  It  is  the  ordinary 
courfe  of  divine  providence,  that,  when  God  defigns  to  pour  oirt 
-his  Spirit  in  a  remarkable  manner  on  his  churches;  and  to  increafe 
and  extend  the  influence  of  true  religion ;  he  firft  awakens  amona 
his  ov;n  people  a  fpirit  of  prayer,  and  of  fervent  fapplication  at  the 
throne  of  grace,  for  this  blelllng.  And  the  Affembly  do  earneftly 
recommend  it  to  all  who  love  the  appearing  of  the  great  God,  even 
our  Saviour  Jefus  Chrill,  to  meet  often  together;  tof.'ir  one  another 
up  to  love  and  good  luorks,  and  to  wreftle  in  prayer  v\'idi  God,  liiie 
the  faints  of  old,  for  the  profperity  of  Zion,  ////  the  r'lghieoufnefi 
thereof  go  Jorth  as  Ir'igkinejs,  and  the  Jalvat'i'jn  thereof  as  a  lamp 
iJjat  lurneih. 

It  is,  moreover,  ho  fmall  ground  of  confolation,  to  obfcrve  the 
^ious  difpofition  manifeiled,  and  the  increafing  efforts  which  are 
made,  more  effeccually  to  extend  the  knowledge  of  the  way  of 
Talvation  to  the  unhappy  and  enflaved  blacks  in  cur  country;  and 
to  fend  the  inertimable.bleuings  of  the  gcfpel,  along  with  the  im- 
provements of  civilization,  to  the  heathen  and  favage  tribes  in  cm- 
vicinity;  to  fave  thefe  wretched  people  from  utter  extermination; 
s.nd  to  raife  up  from  the  remnants  of  fo  many  deftructive  wars,  the 
feeds  of  future  and  great  nations,  who  fiiall  enlarge  tiie  kingdom 
of  the  Redeemer.  The  reports  of  the  Affembly's  miflionaries  in 
the  Cherokee,  and  Catawba  nations,  have  rendered  the  profpect3 
cf  introducing  among  them,  letters  &  civilization,  tlie  arts  of  peace, 
and  the  precious  lights  of  the  gofpel,  more  promifing  than,  at  any 
period,  they  have  ever  been. 

Finally,  the  Affembly,  rejoiciisg  themfelves  in  the  grace  of  the 
Great  Head  of  the  Church,  have  again  the  happinefs  to  offer  to 
the  churches  under  their  care,  iacreafrng  caufe  of  thanksgiving, 


55 

and  pralf?,  to  the  God  of  all  mercy  and  truth.  And,  they  inrreat 
the  co-operation  of  their  prayers,  and  their  charity,  for  the  promo- 
tion of  the  Redeemer's  glory,  and  the  falvation  of  precious  and 
knmortal  fouls. — And  now,  to  God  Almighty,  Father,  Son,  and 
Holy-Spirit,  who  hath  given  us  this  reafon  to  rejoice,  be  glorj-  and 
honor,  world  without  end!     Amen! 

Refohedy  That  the  members  of  this  AfTembly,  with  fuch  of  the 
Citizens  as  may  chufe  to  join  with  them,  will  fpend  a  part  of  next 
Thurfday  evening,  in  the  feccnd  Prefbyterian  Church  in  this  City  ; 
in  fpecial  prayer,  for  the  revival  of  religion,  and  other  religious  ex- 
ercifes  directed  to  the  fame  object  j  and  that  Dr.  Cooper.  Mr. 
Linn  and  Mr.  Janeway,  be  a  Committee  to  make  arrangements 
for  the  occaCon,  and  to  deGgnate  the  perfons,  who  ihall  lead  in  the 
cxcrcifes. 

The  meeting  for  fpecial  prayer,  and  other  religious  cxercifes, 
was  duly  attended  laft  evening  in  the  fecond  Prefbyterian  Church 
in  this  City,  agreeably  to  appointment. 

Refolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  Committee  of  MliEons, 
to  publifli,  by  fubfcriplion,  a  periodical  Magazine,  facred  to  religi- 
on and  morals,  and  pay  the  profits  into  the  funds  of  the  AiTembly  j 
to  be  applied  to  milEonarj'  purpofes. 

The  Committee  appointed  by  laft  Affembly,"  to  conCder  the  ex- 
pediency of  publifhing  a  Nevs'  Edition  of  the  Confeffion  of  faith  &c. 
of  this  Church:  to  confider,  whether  any,  and  if  any,  what  alter- 
tioRs  ought  to  be  made,  in  the  faid  ConfeiEon  of  Faith,  &c.  and 
to  make  preparator)-  arrangements  on  this  fubjed,"  exhibited  their 
report. 

The  Afiembly.... having  gone  through  the  fame  by  paragraphs, 
and  made  feveral  amendments,  it  was^  adopted,  as  follows: 

AFTER  a  very  ferious  attention  to  the  fubje<fl  committed  to 
them,  your  Committee  have  reiblved  to  propofe  no  alterations  what- 
ever, in  the  Confession  of  Faith  and  Catechisms  of  our 
church ;  and  are  clearly  of  the  opinion,  that  none  ought  to  be  at- 
tempted. 

The  creed  of  every  church,  as  it  ought  to  be  derived  immedi- 
ately and  wholly  from  the  word  of  God,  muii  be  conlidered  as 
{landing  on  ground,  confiderably  different,  from  that  which  fupports 
the  fyftem  of  forms  and  regulations,  by  which  worfhip  fhall  be  con- 
duced, and  government  adminiftered.  And,  if  it  be  once  rightly 
fettled,  can  never  be  altered  with  propriety,  by  any  charge  of  timt 
©r  external  circumftances  ef  the  church. 


S4 

Circum  fiances,  indeed,  niaytender  it  jiroper,  in  deducing  a  fuift- 
riiavy  of  failh  from  the  fcripture,  to  dwell  more  largely  and  particu- 
larly c^n  fome  pbints,  at  one  time,  than  would  be  neceflliry  at  ano- 
ther: and  every  attentive  and  intelligent  reader  of  our  ftandards  will 
probably  remark,  that  the  ftate  of  the  church,  when  our  Confeffion 
and  catechifms  were  formed.  Was,  in  fadl,  the  caufe  that  its  pious 
and  learned  authors  exprefled  their  fentiments  on  certain  topics, 
efpecially  fuch  as  relate  to  the  controveriics  between  proteflants  and 
papifis,  more  largely  than  would  now  be  necellary,  if  the  whole 
were  to  b-j  formed  anew.  But  ftiil,  as  thofe  fentiments  are,  we 
conceive,  jufl:  in  themfelves,  and  as  the  particular  delineation  oi 
them  can  do  no  harm,  and  will  fometimes  prove  a  guide  both  to 
the  Clergy  and  laity  of  our  communion,  we  cannot  wifh  to  fee  any 
retrenchment  made.  It  would  give  alarm  to  many  of  our  people, 
who  might  fufpeft  that  this  was  but  the  introdudtion  to  innovations 
of  more  importance.  And  your  committee  will  take  the  liberty  to 
remark,  that  it  is  by  no  means  to  be  confidered  as  a  vulgar  or  un- 
founded prejudice,  when  alarm  is  excited,  by  alterations  and  inno- 
vations in  the  creed  of  a  church.  There  are  many  reafons  of  the 
moil  weighty  kind,  that  will  difpofe  every  man  of  found  judgment 
and  accurate  obfervation,  to  regard  a  fpirit  of  change  in  this  parti- 
cular, as  an  evil,  pregnant  with  an  hoft  of  mifchiefs.  It  leads  the 
infidel  to  fay,  &  with  apparent  plaufibility,  that  there  can  be  no  truth 
clearly  revealed  in  fcripture;  becaufe  not  only  its  friends,  of  various 
feds,  but  of  the  fame  fed,  pretend  to  fee  truths  in  it  at  one  time, 
which,  at  another,  they  difcover  and  declare  to  be  falfehood.  It 
hurts  the  minds  of  weak  believer?,  by  fuggefting  to  them  the  fame 
thought — It  deflroys  the  confidence  of  the  people  generally,  in  tliofe 
who  rttaintain  a  fyftem,  which  is  liable  to  conftant  fluifluations.  It 
violates  fettled  and  ufeful  habits — It  encourages  thofe  who  are  influ- 
enced by  the  vanity  of  attempting  to  improve  what  wife  men  have  ex- 
ecuted, or  by  the  mere  love  of  novelty,  to  give  conftant  difturbance 
to  the  church  by  their  crude  nropofais  of  amendment — And  it  is 
adually  found  to  open  the  door  to  lafting  uneafmefs,  conftant  alter- 
cation, and,  finally,  to  the  adoption  of  errors,  a  thoufand  fold 
more  dangerous  and  hurtful,  than  any  that  fliall  have  been  corred- 
ed — In  a  word,  what  was  true  when  our  Ccnfeff.on  and  catechifms 
were  formed,  is  true  now — We  believe  that  this  truth  has  been 
moft  admirably  and  accurately  drawn  into  view  in  thefe  excellent 
performances.  They  have  become  venerable  from  their  aoe.-^-* 
Our  church  has  flouriihed  under  their  influence;  and  we  can  fee  no 
reafon  to  alter  them.  If  there  are  a  few  things  (and  few  they  muft 
be,  and  of  Icfs  importance,  if  they  exift  at  all)  \vhich  it  might  be 
fliov/n  could  be  expreflcd  more  correftly,  and  in  a  manner  lefs  lia- 
felc  to  objedtion,  it  i$  not  proper,  with  a  view  to  obtain  this,  to  ex- 


55 

Jiofe  ourlelves  to  the  great  inconveniencies  and  injuries  that  have 
been  fpecified. 

Leaving,  then,  the  Confession  of  Faith  and  Catkciiism^ 
of  our  Church  untouched ;  your  committee  took  into  confideration 
the  Form  of  Government,  direflory  for  worfliip  and  forms  of  pro- 
cess. Thefe  (as  lias  already  been  hinted)  were  confidercd  as  (land- 
ing on  other  ground  than  our  creeds.  The  word  of  God  in  regard 
tb  thefe,  is  much  lefs  fpecific  and  particular,  than  in  articles  of  failh. 
Many  things  in  this  part  of  a  church  organization,  are,  and  muft 
be.  left  to  chrifiian  prudence,  and  modified  by  the  peculiar  circum- 
ftances  of  religious  fbcieties,  guided  by  the  general  lights  which  the 
fcripture  holds  forth. — Here  churches  in  one  country,  may,  and 
perhaps  oiig'it  to  differ  from  thofe  of  another.  We  have  already 
ditrercd  very  confiderably  from  the  church  of  Scotland,  from  v/hich 
we  derived  our  origin.  And  as  it  is  di.fficult,  perhaps  impofrible, 
for  any  man,  or  body  of  men  to  anticipate  all  the  circumflances  or 
cafes  which  may  turn  up  in  pracflicc,  under  a  g-^neral  rule  or  law, 
which  is  framed  to  provide  for  them,  experience  will  point  out  ionie 
errors  and  m;;ny  deficiencies  ;  and  thus  may  fuggeft  many  real  amend- 
ments Amendments  too,  not  liable  to  the  moft  material  objedions 
that  have  been  dated  in  the  former  cafe  On  this  part  of  our 
ecclefiaftical  polity  then,  the  work  in  fome  meafure  of  our  own 
hands,  the  committee  have  ventured  to  propofe  a  conGderable  num- 
ber of  amendments;  remarking,  however,  and  begging  that  the  re- 
mark may  be  particularly  regarded,  that  the  al'.cru.i;!or,3  propofed, 
are  of  f  uch  a  nature,  that  if  the  whole  of  them  fhou'd  be  adopted  ; 
they  v/ould  not  alter,  but  only  explain,  render  more  practicable,  and 
bring  nearer  to  perfection,  the  general  fyftem  v/hich  has  already 
gone  into  ufe. 

The  committee,  having  thus  fhortly  detailed  to  the  AfTemblyj 
the  principles  by  which  they  have  been  governed  (and  which  they 
wilhed  to  do  for  their  own  juftification,  as  well  as  to  fulfil  fo  impor- 
tant a  part  of  what  they  confidered  their  duty)  hrve  only  to  call  the 
attention  of  the  Affembly  to  the  alterations  propofed  ;  leaving  it  to 
fuch  members  of  the  co^nmittee,  as  are  alfo  members  of  the  Affem- 
bly, to  explain  the  reafons,  on  which  the  propofed  alterations  have 
been  offered. 

AMENDMENTS. 

No.  I. 
Oiap.  VIII.  Seflion  i.    Add  to  this  feiflion — of  tvhomjhree  elders, 
if  there  he  that  number  in  the  covgregation,  with  the  minijler, 
/hall  be  a  quorum,  to  do  lufinefs. 


5^ 

No.   2. 
Chap.  X.   Sect.  1.   Strike  out  "fo  a  Synod  is  the  convention  of 
feveral  Prefbyteries,*  within  a  larger  Diftrid.'     And  in- 
fert — -Jo  a  Synod  is  a  convetition  of  the  B'i/l:ops  and  Elders, 
'Within  a  larger  Dtjlrif!,  including  feveral  Preslyleriesi. 
No.  3. 
Infert  a  new  fection  between  the  firft  and  fecond  in  this  chap- 
ter, in  the  following  words  : 

Any  fevcn  rainflci  s  f  ihe  Synod,  ivhofljall  convene  at  the  time 
and  place  of  meeting,  luith  as  many  Elders  as  may  he  prefnt,  fiall  he 
a  quorum  to  tranfaEl  Synedical  hufmcfs  ;  provided  not  more  than  four 
ofthefaidmin'flers,  belong  to  one  Preslytery.-f 

No.   4. 
Chap.  XL  Seft.  6.     To  be  altered  in  the  manner  wliich  has  been 
pvopofed  to  the  Prefbvteries,  by  th.e  General  Affeinbly,  viz. 
change   the   words  "  (landing  rules,"    into — Conflitutional 
Rules. -^ 

No    5. 
Chap.    XII.    Add  to   Se(5t.   2.    But  in  all  cafes,   the  perfons  cleclcd, 
vufl  be  male  communicating  members  in  that  church,  in  ivhich 
r  offce. 
No.  6. 

Chap.  XIV.   Sect.    i.§     After  the  word  "probationer"  add — ^or 
prolationcrs. 

*  Under  this  fedion  of  the  exifling  Coiiflitution,  it  ha^  hten  doubted, 
whether  tlie  Members  can  proceed  to  bufuicfs  as  a  Synod,  u.jlel's  there  ;ire 
prtfentT^wrt^/  Frcjlytcrics,  i.  e.  2t  Icaft  three  Minllleri  troni  one  of  the  es- 
ifting  Prefbyteries,  and  three  from  another.  The  doubt  has  not  only  caufed 
tklciy,  in  ftveral  iuflanccs,  but  defeated  the  whole  bufinefs  of  one  entire  meet- 
ing. Thi^  amendment,  therefore,  ooes  to  make  a  Synod  confiit,  not  of  Pref- 
1  yterie'-jbut,  as  it  ought,  of  Bifl^cp;,  and  Llders. 

f  In  fonieof  the  Synods  l.ittiy  formed  (and  other.s  fiich  may  hereafter  be 
formed)  confiiling  only  of  three  Prtfoyteries  ;  and  thefe  fpiead  over  a  vaft 
extent  of  country,  this  quorum  is  thought  fufficientiy  large — If  bufinefs  of 
great  importance  or  expectation  is  to  be  done,  ^  fmall  quoium  will  be  likely 
to  make  a  large  Synod 

\  The  Prefbyteries  which  have  already  reported  their  confent  to  this 
amendment,  need  not  report  on  it  again,  unlefs  they  chufe  — Some  have  re- 
ported their  opinion  that  the  words  "  {landing  rules,''  mean  con/lifu/io/uil rulcsy 
and  that  no  alteration  is  neceffary,  i,ot  knowing  that  this  is  the  very  thing  iu 
cifpute  :  that  icrious  difputes,  and  ferious  evils  have  icfulred  from  the  ambi- 
guity, and  that  the  objed  of  the  amendment  is  to  obtain  language  the  niean- 
ing  of  which,  cannot  be  difputed.  Thefe  Prefoyteries.  as  well  as  thofe  which 
have  not  reported  en  the  article,  are  requeued  to  forward  their  detifion. 

^  This  Chapter  takes  for  granted,  that  every  congregation,  about  to  call 
a  Minifter,  has  only  one  Candidate  in  view.  I'he  fix  following  amendments 
are  intended  to  provide  for  a  cafe  that  often  happens,  viz.  a  Church  about  to 
call  a  pafior  having  feveral  candidates  in  contemplation  ;  or  rather,  they  are 
intended  to  accommodi^te  the  Conftitution,  to  ioti  cafes. 


57 

No.  7. 
Do.     Strike  out  "  difpofed  to  receive  him  as  their  minifter"  and 
infert — prepared  lo  eled:  a  pajlor. 
No.   8. 
"Do.     Strike  out  "preparing  a  call  for  him"  and  infert — concJuB 
ing  the  election  contemplated. 

No.   9. 
Sefl.  2.   Strike  out  "  prepare  a  call  for  to  be 

their  paftor"  and  infert — proceed  te  the  ehd'ion  of  a  bajlory  fat 
that  Congregation. 

No.    10. 
Se(51:.  3.   Strike  out  "in  the  cafe  of  whether  or 

not  he  fhall  be  chofen  to  be  their  miniftcr"  and  infert— ^or  a 
pajlor  if  fuch  be  their  defire  ;  and  tvhen  this  dejire  f-jall  be  ex- 
prejfed,  by  a  majority  of  voices  ;  he  Jloall  then  proceed  to  take  the 
votes  for  a  pajlor. 

No.    II. 
SecH:.  4.  After  "the  Candidate"  infert — luho  has  a  ma- 
jority of  votes. 

No.    12. 
Chap.  XV.   Seft.  2.      Strikeout  "  together  with  a  written  citation 
to  him"  and  infert — if  the  parties  be  not  prepared  to  have  the 
matter  ijfued,  at  that  Presbytery,   a  written   citation  /Joall  be 
given  to  the  Minjlcr.\\ 

No.  13. 
Chap.  1.  Sed.  12.  Strike  out  "and"  in  the  lad  fentence,  and 
add  to  the  fedion — and  it  Jha/I  be  confidered  as  regular^  for 
any  member  or  members,  ivho  may  have  d'JJcnted  from  the 
Judgment  of  the  inferior  Judicatory,  tojlate  andfupport  their 
reafons,  on  the  appeal.  ^ 
Chap.  II.  Sec.  8.      Strike  out  "three  times"  and  infert — I'zvice. 

Laftly.     Let  the  Affembly  appoint   a  fuitable  pcrfon,  to 
prepare  an  index,  to  be  added  to  the  work. 

Your  committee  beg  leave  to  folicit  the  early  attention  of  the 
AfTembly  to  this  fubjeft.  No  amendment  can  be  made  in  our  Ibnd- 
ards,  till  a  majority  of  the  Preibyteries  fhall  have  exprefled  their 
approbation   thereof  in    writing.     A    fingle   amendment   has  been 

II  This  amendment  is  intended  to  provide,  that  coufetit  of  jjarn'crs,  fiiall 
fnorten  the  Coiiiiitational  procels,  for  tranflatina;  a  Miiiifter. 

*[  Thofe  who  gave  the  Judgment  in  the  iiifcilor  Judicatory,  become 
pr.rtics  p.^jinft  tiie  Appellant  in  the  superior  C(Jur£ ;  and  fom-Jtinics  over- 
wiiebn  hinj  by  vveij^lit  of  numbers  and  talents.  This  amendment  is  intend- 
ed to  provide  a  counttrpoife — lo  enable  the  Minority,  who  may  have  dif 
fsnted  from  the  J-jcijuit-nrj  to  take  part  witli  the  Appellant  in  the  fiiperior 
Judicatory — This  wc  believe  they  arc  not  generally  pcrn.ic:eJ  to  do. 


heretofore  attempted ;  and  the  exertions  of  five  years  have  left  the 
queftion  undecided.  More  efficacious  meafures  muft  be  taken,  or 
the  contemplated  edition  will  be  deferred  beyond  the  period,  which 
the  wiihes  of  the  Affembly,  and  the  wants  of  the  Churches  re- 
quire. If  therefore  the  amendments  piopofed,  or  any  of  them, 
fliall  be  fan<flioned  by  the  Affembly,  your  committee  would  fubmit 
the  following  relolutions; 

(  !.)  That  the  amendments  be  numbered  in  a  continued  feries, 
that  fo  a  reference  may  conveniently  be  made  to  them  by  the  Prefby- 
terics. 

(2.)  That  the  introduvftory  part  of  this  report,  with  the  amend- 
ments, be  printed,  with  a  few  explanatory  notes,  during  the  pre- 
fent  feffions;  and  that  one  copy,  inclofcd  in  a  circular  letter,  figned 
by  the  Moderator,  be  addreffed  and  fent  to  each  Prefbytery. 

(3.)  That  the  Prefbytenes  be  required  to  decide  on  the  amend- 
ments as  foon  as  may  be  practicable;  draw  up  their  decifion  in  wri- 
ting, and  immediately  fend  it,  by  mail  or  otherwife,  to  the  Rev. 
Philip  Milledoler,  (fated  Clerk  of  the  General  Affembly,  refidlng 
in  the  City  of  Philadelphia,  fo  that  the  fame  may  be  received,  at 
farthefl    by  next  Affembly. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  the  fervice,  reported  the  draught 
of  a  circular  letter  to  the  Prefbyteries,  and  certain  notes,  explana- 
tory of  the  amendments  to  the  Conilitution  adopted  on  Saturday 
laft.     The  Affembly  having  read  and  conildered  the  fame; 

Refolvcil,  that  the  notes  be  printed  beneath  the  amendments  to 
which  they  ref  pedi  vely  belong ;  and  that  a  copy  of  the  circular  letter 
be  figned  by  the  Moderator,  and  tranfmitted,  agreeably  to  a  former 
refolution  of  this  houfe.  The  letter,  as  adopted  by  the  Aflembly, 
is  as  follows: — 


[CIRCULAR.] 

To  the  Prefbytery  of 
Bretheren, 

THE  conftant  and  cxtenfive  demand  for  copies  of  the  con- 
flitution  of  our  church  has  rendered  a  new  impreflion  of  it  indif- 
penfable.  Anxious  to  render  tlie  work  as  unexceptionable  as  pofli- 
blc,  the  General  Affembly  o'i  t!ie  lafl  year  appointed  a  committee, 
carefully  to  revife  the  whole  and  to  fubmit  the  refult  to  us  at  our 
prefent  feflions.  This  has  accordingly  been  done,  and  the  report 
of  the  committee,  alter  being  carefully  confidered  and  amended, 
(s  herewith  tranfmitted  to  you,   for  a  fin.J   adoption   or  rejedlion, 


59 


either  in  whole  or  in  part,  of  the  alterations  fuggefted.  Short 
notes  are  added  to  the  propofed  amendments,  that  you  may  fee  at 
once  what  were  the  leading  confiderations  that  have  induced  the 
Aflembly  to  think  that  they  may  advantageoufly  be  made;  and 
that  lefs  time  might  be  necefl'ary  in  making  up  your  own  minds  on 
each  particular  article.  Having  thus  done  every  thing  in  our  power 
to  abridge  the  labour  of  the  Prefbyteries;  and  taken  efFeflual  mea- 
fures,  we  truft,  for  a  feafonable  communication  to  you  of  this  im- 
portant concern,  the  Aflembly  expedt  that  no  Prefbytery  under  their 
care,  will  fail  to  make  a  decifion  on  the  fubje<ils  fpeciF.ed  within  the 
year;  nor  to  tranfmit  that  decifion,  when  made,  to  the  frated  clerk 
(the  Rev.  Philip  Milledoler  of  Philid.)  before  the  meeting  of 
the  next  Aflembly. — The  neceflity  for  difpatch  in  this  buflnefs  is 
obvious — The  churches  muft  remain  unfupplied  with  copies  of  our 
flandards  till  the  conftitutional  number  of  the  Prefbyteries  have 
made  their  report  on  the  premifes;  or  if  fupplied,  they  muft  receive 
a  book,  that  will  probably  foon  be  found  unfatisfadory,  on  account 
of  the  variations  from  its  contents  which  are  now  propoied  to  be 
made. 

Praying  for  the  divine  blefiing  on  all  your  miniftrations  and  fer- 
vices,  for  the  promotion  of  the  caufe  of  our  common  Lord,  we 
bid  you  farewell. 

Signed  by  order  of  the  General  Aflembly. 

Philacltlnhia,   Mav  29,  ItOi. 


Refolvecl,  that  the  ufual  Synodical  Reports  to  the  General  Af- 
fcmbly;  and  the  correfponding  duplicates  from  the  Prefljyterics, 
inftead  of  being  read  in  the  Aflembly,  ihall  hereafter  be  committed 
to  a  fpecial  conmiittee,  to  report  thereon  :  and  that,  mjleaci  of  add- 
ing in  ihcir  duplicate  reports  to  the  j^Jlmlly  the  amount  of  colleU'ions 
made  by  each  Church  for  the  funds  of  the  AffcmUy  ;  (as  is  prefcr'ibed 
in  the  ^th  Article  of  the  General  Reguia'lon ;  )  the  Preshyierlcs  be  re- 
quired to  make  a  diflind  report,  on  this  fuljefl,  to  the  Jlfembly ;  and 
that  all  reports,  giving  information  on  the  Ivliliionary  bufinefs,  be 
made  to  the  ftanding  Committee  of  Miflions. 

The  Synods  which  manage  the  MifJionary  bufiriefs  in  their  fepa- 
rate  capacity,  were  called  upon  to  make  the  annual  report,  required 
to  be  made  by  them,  on  this  fubjeft.  The  Rev.  James  Hughes,  in 
behalf  of  the  Synod  of  Pittsburgh,  informed  the  Aflembly — that 
they  fent  out  one  Miflionary  laft  fall,  to  itinerate  for  one  month, 
in  the  fettlements  adjacent  to  Lake  Erie  :  one  other  miflionary  to 
fpend  one  month,  and  one  to  fpend  two  montbs;  in  the  fettlements 
down  the  Ohio  River. 


60 


The  Synod  of  Virginia  exhibited  a  written  report,  flating,  that, 
in  the  courfe  of  the  laft  year,  the  Synod  employed  two  ordained 
minifters  as  Miflionaries  for  fix  months  each ;  and  four  other  ordain- 
ed minillers,  for  two  months  each :  that  the  faid  Miflionaries  were 
employed  in  feveral  deftitute  places  within  the  bounds  of  the  Synod: 
that  the  Synod  alfo  empIo3^ed,  for  two  months,  Mr.  John  Chavis, 
a  licentiate,  who  was  direc'ted  to  confine  his  labours  chiefly  to  the 
people  of  colour. 

Rifohcil,  That  the  feveral  Synods  of  Pittfburgh,  Virginia  and  of 
the  Carolinas,  be  careful  to  forward  to  each  General  AfTembly,  a 
regular  written  report  of  their  diligence  and  fuccefs  in  the  Miflionary 
bulinefs. 

Refohed,  That  the  Committee  appointed  for  felecling  and  prin- 
ting the  extradls,  add  to  the  fame,  a  lilt  of  the  churches  who  have 
contributed  to  the  fund,  for  and  during  one  year,  next  preceding 
this  date;  v/ith  the  fpecific  fums  paid  by  each  :  and  that  in  afcer- 
taining  thefe  fums,  they  avail  themfelves,  as  well  of  the  foregoing 
report,  as  of  the  treafurer's  books. 

Ri/ohed,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  Prelbyteries,  to  con- 
tinue their  exertions  to  procure  and  forward  annual  collections  from 
the  churches  under  their  care  :  that  thofe  who  have  been  in  any 
meafure  deficient,  pay  a  fpecial  attention  to  this  fubjeft.  If  each 
Congregation  lliall  punftually  make  one  annual  colledtion  "  as  the 
Lord  hath  profpered  them;"  and  feafonably  forward  it  to  the  trea- 
fiirer ;  and  if  this  uniformity  fhall  grow  into  a  habit;  the  labour 
of  Aflemblics  and  Prefbyterics  will  be  diminilhed :  the  com- 
plaints of  the  forward  agaiiifi:  the  deficient  Churches  will  ceafe  ;  and 
a  feed  will  be  fown  which  will  "  bring  forth  fruit  unto  eternal  life." 
On  tiie  fund  v/hich  is  iupplied  by  thefe  free-will  offerings,  depend 
the  Miflionary  efforts  of  the  General  AfTembly  :  and  never  was 
there  a  time  when  the  calls  for  Miflionary  labours  were  fo  loud  or 
fo  frequent ;  And  never  was  there  a  time  when  thofe  "  labours  of 
love"  for  the  fouls  Oi  men,  promifed  fuch  an  ample  return. 

Refolvcdj  That,  the  Preibyteries  and  individuals  who  have  re- 
ceived, or  may  hereafter  receive  religious  books  for  diftribution, 
report  to  the  Committee  of  Mifiions  from  year  to  year,  flating  in 
what  manner  the  books  have  been  difpofcd  of,  the  elfeds  produced, 
and  the  books,  if  any,  remaining  on  hand. 

RefuhcJ,  That  the  Committee  of  Millions  be  requelied  to  prc- 
fent  the  thanks  of  the  General  AfTembly  to  thofe  perfons  who  have 
prefented  to  them  certain  religious  books,  for  gratuitous  diftribution. 
Refohed,  that  the  Committee  of  Millions  be  authorized  and  di- 
re(51ed  to  diftribute,  at  their  difcretion,  the  Books  received  as  afore- 
faid  ;  together  with  fach  part  of  the  books  received  on  account  of 
the  debt  of  Cornelius  Davis,  as  are  of  a  religious  nature,  and  fuita- 
blc  for  diftribution. 


61 

THE  Rev.  Doaois  Blair  and  Green  ;  the  Rev.  Melirs. 
Milledoler  and  Janeway  ,  Me/Trs.  Ebenezer  Hazard,  Elias  Boudi- 
not  and  Robert  Smith,  were  chofen  Members  of  the  Committee  of" 
Miffions  for  the  enfuing  year. 

M.iJJionar'ies  for  the  enfuing  year* 
The  Aflembly  Refolved, 

(i.)  That  the  Rev.  Jedediah  Chapman,  be  appointed  a  ftated 
Miffionary  for  the  current  year;  to  fpend  fix  months  in  Miffionary 
labours;  and  to  receive  the  fame  compenfation,  as  heretofore. 

(2.)  That  the  Rev.  John  Clofe,  be  appointed  a  Miflionary  for 
three  Months;  in  the  counties  of  Saratoga  and  Wafliington,  in  the 
State  of  New  York;  in  the  fettlements  about  the  head  waters  of 
Hudfon's  River,  Lake  George  and  the  head  of  Lake  Champlain. 

(3.)  That  the  Rev.  John  Lindfley,  be  appointed  a  Miffionary 
for  three  months  ;  in  the  county  of  Seneca,  in  the  State  of  New 
York ;  thence  acrofs  the  Lake  into  Cayuga  and  Onondago  coun- 
ties; thence  to  Seneca  River,  to  Junius,  and  through  the  counties  of 
Ontario  and  Steuben,  to  the  Painted  Polf,  and  thence  homeward. 

(4.)  That  the  Rev,  Jofeph  Sweetman,  be  appointed  a  Miffion- 
ary, to  fpend  two  months  on  the  weft:  fide  of  Lake  Champlain ; 
commencing  his  Miffionary  tour  at  Ticonderoga,  and  proceeding 
down  the  lake,  to  the  Canada  line. 

(5.)  That  Dr.  Thomas  Read,  be  appointed  a  Miffionary  for 
two  months;  and  the  Rev.  John  E.  Latta,  for  one  month,  on 
the  Peninfula  between  the  Delaware  and  Chefapeak  Bays  and  the 
Ocean. 

(6.)  That  the  Rev.  Dr.  Robert  Cooper,  be  appointed  a  Miffi- 
onary for  two  months;  to  proceed  to  Great  Ifland,  near  Pine  creek, 
in  Pennfylvania;  and  thence  to  the  Painted  Poft  in  the  State  of 
New-York. 

(7.)  That  the  Rev,  Matthew  La  Rue  Perinc,  be  appointed  a 
Miffionary  for  three  months:  to  vifit  the  Congregation  of  Nine- 
Partners;  proceed  thence  to  the  great  Bend  of  the  Sufouehanna; 
Owego;  the  head  of  the  Lakes,  Geneva;  Ulyffes  and  the  Church 
of  Williamdown  and  Genefeo. 

f8.)  That  the  Rev.  Amzi  Armftrong,  be  appointed  a  Miffi- 
onary for  two  months  in  the  vacant  parts  of  Suffex  county,  New- 
Jerfey. 

(9.)  That  the  Rev.  Gideon  Blackburn,  be  appointed  a  Miffi- 
onary for  two  months,  to  the  Cherokee  Indians. 

(10.)  That  the  Rev.  Dr.  James  Hall,  be  appointed  a  Miffion- 
ary for  fix  months;  three  of  which  to  be  fpent  in  the  Preloytciy 

•  The  Synods  of  the  Carolinas,  of  Virginii,  and  of  Pittfourgh  manage- 
the  Miffionary  bufinefs  in  a  fcparatc  amr  individual  capacity,  and  employ 
(together)  perhaps  nearly  as  many   Mifiionaries  as  the  General  Alltmbly. — 


6^ 

of  Wafhington,  Kentuckey,  confalting  with  tliat  Prefbytery  or  their 
(landing  Committee,  on  the  rubjc(5l  of  his  Miflionary  labours  ;  and 
the  other  three  months  as  the  Committee  of  Miffions  fhall  direft. 

(n.)  That  Mr.  John  Chavis,  be  appointed  a  Miffionary  for 
three  months;  to  be  employed  in  the  Southern  parts  of  Virginia, 
and  in  North  Carolina. 

(i2.)  That  'ioo  dollars  be  appropriated  to  the  School  Mafter, 
employed  by  Mr.  Blackburn,  in  teaching  the  Indian  youth,  for 
his  fscond  year's  fervices. 

(13.)  That  the  Miflionarles  be  left  at  difcretion,  as  to  th  j  feafon 
for  jKrforniing  their  refpedive  fervices. 

Refohedy  that  it  be  recommended  to  tht:  Committee  of  MifSons, 
to  employ  the  Rev.  James  Robinfon,  as  a  Mifiionary  for  two 
months,  in  the  counties  of  Amhurft  and  Montgomery,  in  the 
State  of  Virginia;  provided  it  fliali  be  found,  in  the  fequel,  that 
the  funds  will  admit  of  it.f 

The  Aflembly,  deeming  it  a  matter  of  high  importance,  that  the 
pulpits  of  the  Miffionaries,  who  have  paftoral  charges,  be  fully  fup- 
plied,  during  the  periods  of  their  abfence  rcfpeflively,  proceeded  to 
devife  means  for  the  purpofe,  and  refolved,  to  appoint  Committees 
for  making  the  proj)er  appointments  of  fupplies;  and  that  the  Com- 
mittees be  required  to  meet  feafonably,  and  ufe  their  beft  endea- 
vours to  provide  the  contemplated  iupplies.      Accordingly  it  was 

Refohed,  that  the  Rev.  MefTrs.  James  Richards  and  Aaron 
Condift  be  a  committee,  to  appoint  fupplies  for  the  Pulpits  of  Mr. 
Amzi  Armrtrong  and  Mr.  Perine:  that  the  Rev.  Meffrs.  Simon 
Hofiack  and  Eliphalet  Nott,  be  a  com.mittee,  to  appoint  fupplies 
for  Mr.  Sweetman's  pulpit;  that  the  Rev.  Meffrs.  William  Arthur 
and  Nathan  Grier  be  a  committee,  to  appoint  fupplies  for  the  pul- 
pits of  Dr.  Pvcad  and  Mr.  John  E.  Latta:  that  the  Rev.  Meffrs. 
Janeway  and  Potis  he  a  committee,  to  appoint  Iupplies  for  Dr. 
Green's  pulpit:  the  Rev.  Meffrs.  Hill  and  Hoge  be  a  committee, 
to  appoint  fupplies  for  Mr.  Le-Grand's  pulpit:  that  the  Rev.  Meffrs. 
James  M'Crce  and  Samuel  Caldwell  be  a  committee,  to  appoint 
Iupplies  for  Dr.  Hall's  pulpit:  that  the  Rev.  Meffrs.  John  M' 
Millan  and  Jofeph  Pattcrfon  be  a  committee,  to  appoint  fupplies 
for  the  piiipit  of  Mr.  Marque:. 

A  COPY  of  a  record  of  the  Prefbytery  of  Baltimore  was  ex- 
hibited and  read;  ftating  thst,  in  the  opinion  of  tluil  Prefbytery,  it 
would  conduce  to  the  intcrelc  of  religion,  if  the  General  Affembly 
would  occallonally  meet  within  the  limits  of  that  Prclbytery;  and 
requefting  that  the  next  A.ffenibly  may  be  appointed  to  meet  in 
Alexandria,  where  (as  the  Pre.n.iytcry  inform)  fulVicient  accommo- 
dations will  be  provided. 

■f  Two  other  MifTiouarJos  v.'orc  ppnointcJ.   !iy  the   AiTcnibly,  under  a 


63 


The  Afiembly  having  taken  the  above  into  confideratlon, 
Refohed,  That  as  a  co-operation  by  and  between  the  General 
Aflembly,  the  committee  of  MifHons,  and  the  incorporated  Trus- 
tees of  the  Ailen^bly,  appears  to  be  conducive  to  the  intereft  of  the 
church  ;  and  as  the  members  of  the  committee  of  MifTions,  and 
thofe  of  the  Board  of  Truftees  generally  refide  in  Philadelphia, 
and  can  only  hold  their  feffions  there  ;  the  Affembly  cannot,  at 
this  timCj  comply  with  the  requcft. 

THE  Committee  appointed  to  devife  and  recommend  a  plan  for 
affording  pecuniary  aid  to  the  commiflioners  from  dillant  Prefbyte- 
ries  attending  the  General  Affembly,  reported. 

The  report  being  read  and  confidered,  was  adopted  and  is  as 
follows : 

Your  committee  having  taken  the  fubjed  into  confideration,  were 
of  opinion,  that  the  contemplated  aid,  mufl:,  for  the  prefent,  be 
derived  from  the  voluntary  contributions  to  be  made  by  the  more 
wealthy  citizens,  refident  in  other  diftrids,  and  therefore  fubmit 
the  following  refolution;  viz. 

Refohed,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  Prefbyteries  belonging 
to  the  Synod  of  New-York  and  New-Jerfey,  and  to  the  Synod  of 
Philadelphia,  earneftly  to  advifc  the  Churches  under  their  care,  to 
make  an  annual  collecftion,  to  be  fpecially  appropriated  to  aid  in  the 
payment  of  the  expences  of  the  commiflioners,  from  the  moredif- 
tant  parts  of  the  country,  to  enable  them  to  attend  the  General 
'Affembly  ;  and  that  the  money  when  colle6ted,  be  put  into  the 
hands  of  the  Treafurer  of  the  Corporation,  and  paid  to  the  per- 
fons  who  may  attend  as  commiflioners,  under  the  dirciflion  of  the 
General  Affembly. 

THE  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  fubjed  of  the  divi- 
fion  in  the  Synod  of  Kentucky,  reported.  Tha  report  was  read, 
amended  and  is  adopted  as  follov/s: 

Your  committee  having  attended  carefully  to  the  pamphlets  and 
letter  on  the  fubjefl,  are  of  opinion,  that  the  bufmefs  has  come  be- 
fore the  Affembly  in  fo  informal  a  manner,  that  no  regular  judicial 
procefs  can  iflfue  thereon  in  the  prefent  A-flembly:  and  that  'the 
moft  elegible  meafure  the  Affembly  can  take  in  the  cafe,  will  be  to 
appoint  a  Committee  of  three,  to  meet  with  the  Synod,  or  a  Com- 
mittee of  the  Synod  of  Kentucky,  and  endeavour  to  heal  the  dis- 
orders which  appear  from  the  faid  pamphlets  and  letter  to  have  taken 
place  in  the  bounds  of  the  faid  Synod. 

Purfuant  to  the  report  of  the  Committee  on  the  divifion  in  Ken- 
tucky, adopted  in  the  forenoon,  the  AflTembly  proceeded  to  eleft  by 
ballot,  three  perfons,  as  a  Committee,  to  meet  with  the  Synod  of 

D 


64 

Kentucky  at  its  next  meeting;  and  for  three  other  perfons'as  fubrti- 
tutes,  to  ferve  in  cafe  of  the  necefTary  abfence  of  the  principals,  or 
either  of  them.  Accordingly  Dr.  Hall,  Dr.  Green  and  Mr.  Mar- 
ques, were  chofen  a  Committee  for  the  purpofe  aforefaid  ;  and  Mr* 
Alexander,  Mr  Le-Grand  and  Mr.  Baxter,  were  eleded  as  fub- 
ftitutes  :  the  fubftitutes  feverally  to  fucceed  to  the  places  of  the  re- 
fpedive  principals,  in  the  order  in  which  they  are  recorded  above ; 
yet  fo  as  that  any  one  of  the  three  members  lafl:  named,  who  may 
be  prefent  at  the  meeting  of  the  Synod,  fhall  be  competent  to  ferve 
in  the  place  of  any  one  of  the  principals,  who  may  be  abfent,  and 
his  place  not  filled. 

Refohecli  That  the  feveral  Miniders  chofen  as  aforefaid,  perform 
the  duty  of  Miffionaries,  fo  far  as  may  confifl  with  their  other  duties ; 
and  that  they  receive  the  pay  of  Miffionaries,  during  the  terms  they 
(hall  neceffarily  be  abfent,  from  their  refpedive  homes,  on  the  bufi- 
nefs  alTigncd  them. 

THE  AfTembly  refumed  the  confideration  of  the  draught  of  a 
Paftoral  letter,  laid  before  the  houfe  yefterday.  Having  read  and 
confidere'd  the  fiime  by  paragraphs,  and  made  feveral  amendmeots, 
they  adopted  it  as  folio v/s  : 


Ch 


RISTIAN    BRETHREN, 


United  to  you  in  the  bonds  of  love,  and  of  Chrifl:,  we  feel 
all  the  conltraint  of  the  ties  which  bind  us  to  you  as  one  body  in 
our  common  Lord.  Alfembled,  by  the  good  providence  of  God, 
in  the  fupreme  judicatory  of  the  church,  we  feel  the  duty  impofed 
upon  us,  as  the  guardians  of  the  peace,  order  and  purity  of  the 
body  of  Chrifl,  of  addrefling  you  on  the  great  fubjedl  of  our  com- 
mon filvation. 

Dear  brethren,  we  fiill  have  caufc  of  mutual  congratulation  and 
joy,  on  account  of  the  increafing  profperity  of  Zion  in  thefe  lands, 
which,  not  long  lince,  were  fo  dry  and  barren.  They  are,  in 
many  places,  watered  with  the  abundant  dews  of  Heaven;  and 
righteoufnef;  has  run  down  the  ftreets  of  our  Jerufalem  like  a  mighty 
(iream.  God  has  appeared  to  revive  his  caufe  in  the  midft  ot  the 
years  of  great  declenfion,  and,  in  the  midft  of  deferved  wrath, 
he  has  remembered  mercy.  In  many  parts  of  our  church,  God 
has  poured  out  a  fpirit  of  prayer  upon  his  people,  and  has  been  gra- 
cioufly  pleafed  to  anfwer  their  prayers  by  a  copious  effufion  of  his 
bleffed  fpirit.  The  boldnefs  of  infidelity,  aud  the  profligacy  of 
impiety  have  been  greatly  reprefled ;  and  though  here  and  there  we 
{till  behold  its  violent  firuggles  exerted  againft  the  Saviour,  they 
appear  to  be  only  the  convulfive  firuggles  of  defpair.     The  truths 


65 

©f  revelation  are  gradually  acquiring  a  decided  afcendency  in  all 
parts  of  our  land;  and  in  many,  they  are  daily  coming  home  to  the 
hearts  of  men  with  uncommon  evidence  and  power. 

For  more  particular  information  on  thefs  fubjedts,  we  refer  you, 
brethren,  to  that  fummary  of  the  ftate  of  religion  within  the  bounds 
of  the  General  Afiembly,  which  accompanies  this  letter.  You 
will  there  perceive,  however,  that,  amidft  fo  many  fubjeils  of  gra- 
titude and  praife  to  Almighty  God,  for  the  riches  of  his  grace, 
4iifplayed  in  the  revivals  of  the  fpirit  of  religion,  in  various  portions 
of  our  church,  we  have  alfo  fome  caufes  of  deep  afflidion  and  re- 
gret mingled  with  them.  Human  frailty  is  apt  to  mar  and  disfigure, 
in  fome  degree,  what  ever  it  touches;  and  tlie  great  adverfary  ot 
fouls  and  of  Chrift,  taking  advantage  of  the  paflions  of  convinced 
finners,  of  the  hypocrify  of  deceivers,  and  of  the  imperfetflions 
even  of  the  belt  of  men,  fets  himfelf  often  too  eiFedually,  to  tarnifa 
the  beauty  and  glory  of  the  work,  of  God. 

An  unhappy  feparation  of  five,  who  had  formerly  appeared  to 
be  ze.lous  and  fuccsfsful  minifters  of  Jefus  ChrKl:,  in  union  v.lt'i 
the  Synod  of  Kentucky,  has  given  no  fmall  occafion  of  grief  to  the 
churches.  Too  great  an  ardor  of  fpirit  for  wl^at  they  conceived  to 
be  the  truth,  and,  perhaps,  too  great  heat  concerning  the  meaning 
and  importance  of  words  have  created  a  divifion,  which  chriihan 
charity  ftould  exert  all  its  powers  to  heal  We  befeech  you, 
brethren,  yet  receive  one  another  in  the  fpirit  of  love  and  forbear- 
ance. Remember  how  divifions  and  contefts  between  men  engaged 
in  the  fame  glorious  caufe  will  wound  the  hearts  of  fincere  chrilti- 
ans,  and  diibacl  the  minds  of  the  weak;  remember  how  apt  they 
are  to  embitter  the  meek  fpirit  of  the  gofpel,  and  to  quench  the 
zeal  of  genuine  piety,  in  the  unholy  paflions  of  ftrife  and  conten- 
tion; remember  we  entreat  you,  for  the  love  of  Chrilt,  how  the 
adverfary  will  blafpheme  and  rejoice,  and  the  Redeemer  be  wounded 
in  the  houfe  of  his  friends.  Brethren,  reunite  your  hearts  and 
your  labours  in  this  great  and  bleifed  work,  and  let  not  its  progrels 
be  arrefted,  or  its  glory  impaired,  by  the  baneful  influence  of  your 
divifions.  Meet  together  for  the  purpofes  of  conciliation,  ufing  the 
counfels  and  aid  of  the  committee  which  the  General  AlTembly 
has  thought  proper  to  fend  to  you,  to  endeavour  to  repair  fo  unde- 
firable  and  dangerous  a  breach  in  the  walls  of  our  Zion.  If  you 
love  the  Lord,  if  you  love  and  pray  for  the  peace  of  Jerufalem, 
will  you  not  facrifice  much  to  thefe  cbjedls  fo  dear  to  every  real 
chriftian? 

With  not  lefs  regret  have  we  heard  of  certain  extravagancies  ia 
in  the  exercifcs  and  agitations  of  many  perfons,  who,  in  this  work, 
otherwife  fo  defirable,  have  once  been  the  fubjefls  of  itrong  religi- 
ous impreflions.     That  the  fudden   blaze  of  divine   truth  upon  2 


66 


mind  hitlierto  covered  with  thick  darknefs;  that  a  deep  conviftioii 
of  guilt,  and  fenfe  of  the  wrath  of  God  againfl:  an  offending  worm 
of  duft;  efpecially,  when  thefe  apprehenfions  are  railed  to  the  high- 
eft  pitch  by  the  power  of  lympathy,  and  the  panic  excited  by  the 
emotions  of  a  vaft  a/Tenibly,  fhould  often  produce  ftrong  bodily  af- 
fections, is  not  furprifing  to  thofe  who  are  acquainted  with  the  hu- 
man ceconomy.  That  the  tranfports  of  a  mind  fuddenly  brought 
out  of  darknefs  into  God's  marvellous  light,  fuddenly  raifed  from 
the  borders  of  delpair  to  the  extafies  of  religious  hope  and  joy, 
Ihould  be  accompanied  with  a  fimilar  influence  on  the  nervous  fyftcra, 
is  not  incredible. 

The  preceding  are  not  pretended  to  be  afligned  as  the  certain  or 
the  fole  reafons,  of  many  extraordinary  appearances  in  fome  of  our 
fouthern  churches.  It  is  fufhcient  to  anfwer  the  views  of  the  Af- 
fcnibly  to  fliew  that  fuch  caufes  are  adequate  to  the  produdion  of 
the  higheil:  effcds,  of  this  kind,  in  order  to  preferve  theai  from 
the  unjuft  imputation  of  a  fanatical,  or  demoniacal  influence.  But, 
when  bodily  agitations,  which,  in  moll:  inliances,  difturb  the  feri- 
cus,  fober,  and  rational  exercifcs  of  the  mind,  inftead  of  being 
foothed  and  reftrained  within  the  bounds  of  decency,  are  encoura- 
ged, and  excited  by  thofe  who  lead  the  worfliip  and  ibme  who  join 
in  it;  they  very  eafily  run  into  exceffes  highly  reproachful  to  religion. 
When  they  go  into  antic 'geftures,  ridiculous  contortions,  to  move- 
ments of  apparent  levity,  and  contrary  to  piopriety  and  religious 
order,  and  which  refemble  the  eifeds  of  delirium,  or  of  a  Ipirit 
very  different  from  the  fpirit  of  the  gofpel;  thefe  are  the  evidences 
of  a  wild  enthufiafm,  whofe  extravagancies  are' infinitely  various, 
and  unaccountable.  When  each  perfon  has  a  pfalm,  a  prayer,  a 
triumphant  exaltation,  in  the  public  worfliip  of  God,  is  not  this 
the  very  evil  which  once  took  place  in  the  Corinthian  Church, 
which  the  Apoftle  feverely  reproves,  faying,  God  i!  not  a  God  of' 
confufion  but  of  order?  In  genuine  and  rational  religion,  however 
high  and  fervent  may  be  its  affedions,  ihe  fpirhs  of  the  prophets  are 
fuhjeU  to  the  prcphds.  And  if  fo,  furely  this  power  is  ftill  more 
neceffary  for  the  fake  of  order,  in  every  ordinary  chriftian. 

We  ftrongly  bear  our  teftimony  againft  thofe  perfons  who  pre- 
tend to  immediate  impuUes,  and  revelations  from  heaven,  thofe 
divine  communications  which  were  given  only  to  the  Piophets  and 
Apoftles,  who  were  appomted  by  God  to  reveal  to  mankind  the 
way  of  eternal  life.  When  men  prefume  th.-a  the  Holy  Spirit, 
contrary  to  the  cftabliflied  order  of  Providence,  interferes  by  par- 
ticular impulfe  to  dired  them  in  all  the  conmion  affairs  of  life ; 
when  they  deem  themfelves  to  be  impelled  by  him,  to  particular 
afts,  or  particular  religious  cxercifes,  contrary  to  the  eftablifhed 
order  of  the  gofpel,  and  the  obvious  duties  of  the  moment  j  when. 


67 


finally,  they  pretend  to  miraculous  powers,  or  prophetic  influences, 
and  the  foretelling  of  future  events;  all  thefe  are  evidences  of  a 
wild  enthufiaftic  fpirit,  and  tend,  eventually,  to  deftroy  the  autho- 
rity of  the  word  of  God  as  the  fole  rule  of  faith  and  pradice. — 
Ecclefiaftical  hiftory  furniflies  us  with  many  examples  of  fuch  cn- 
thufiartic  inipulfes,  following  great  revivals  of  religion,  which  have 
ever  been  (trongly  and  uniformly  condemned  by  the  voice  of  the 
whole  church,  as  in  the  cafe  of  the  French  prophets,  the  fanatics 
of  Munfter,  and  we  may  add,  the  fanatical  Jews  who  fprung  up 
in  fuch  numbers,  and  perfevered  with  fuch  obftinacy,  even  while 
the  difafters  of  their  city  and  their  temple,  were  daily  refuting  their 
predidtions.  And  it  will  be  a  fubje6t  of  fincere  lamentation  to  us,  if 
any  minifters  in  our  communion  fnould  unhappily  be  found  to  encou- 
rage fuch  great  evils.  But  we  hope  better  things  of  you  though  we 
thus  fpeak. 

Dear  brethren,  and  fellow  labourers  in  the  gofpel  of  our  common 
Lord,  ftudy  to  prevent  exceffes  fo  diflionorable  and  contrary  to  the 
beautiful  order  of  the  church  of  Chrift,  or  zealoufly  endeavour  to 
reprefs  them,  wherever  they  begin  to  appear.  In  a  great  and  ge- 
neral inflammation  of  the  human  mind,  we  ought  not  to  be  aftoniih- 
ed  if  thefe  fervors  operating  fometimes  on  weaknefs,  fometlmes  on 
an  enthufiaftic  temperament,  fhould  impel  a  few  men  to  very  con- 
fiderable  errors  and  exceffes.  Such  have  happened  in  every  revival 
of  religion,  and  even  in  every  great  political  commotion  ;  and  fuch 
efpecially  happened  in  various  inlhinces  in  the  memorable  and  glori- 
ous reformation  of  the  chriftian  church  from  the  fpiritual  thraldom 
and  the  errors  of  popery.  By  common  concert  and  counfel  en- 
deavour to  reftrain  every  irregularity  in  the  worfliip  of  God  at  its 
very  commencement.  Diforders  of  an  enthufiaftic  fpirit  may  often 
be  checked  in  the  beginning  with  facility,  which  when  fulfered  to 
progrcfs,  come  at  length  to  overleap  all  the  barriers  of  authority, 
and  burft  through  all  the  bounds  of  order  and  of  decency.  So- 
lemnly bear  in  mind,  brethren,  how  much  the  great  head  of  the 
church  has  committed  his  glory  and  the  glory,  of  his  holy  caufe  in 
the  world,  to  your  adivity  and  your  faithfulncfs,  to  yovxr  prudence 
as  well  as  your  zeal. 

And  now  fellow  chriftians,  of  every  order  and  condition  in  life. 
we  intreat  you  earneftly  to  co-operate  v/ith  the  public  fervants  of 
Chrifl  in  promoting  the  glory  and  extenfion  of  the  Redeemer's 
kingdom.  Faithfully  improve  the  precious  feafon  of  divine  grace 
which  God  is  now  beftowing  on  his  churches. 

By  your  prayers  draw  dov/n  the  blefling  of  heaven  on  your  fa- 
milies, on  the  church,  on  your  country,  on  the  world.  God  will 
appear  for  his  people  with  a  great  falvation  ;  but  for  ail  thefe  things 
will  Ke  be  enquired  of  by  the  houfe  of  Ifracl  to  do  it  for  them. — 


68 

Let  your  prayers  for  the  profperity  of  Zion  contlnualiy  afcend  in 
fecret  to  the  throne  of  grace.  Promote  and  encourage  afTemblies 
for  focial  prayer.  For  Jenifalem' s  fake  rejl  not,  and  for  Zion' s  fake 
hold  not  your  peace.  Whenever  Cod  has  appeared  in  any  fignal  dif- 
play  of  his  mercy  to  the  church,  he  has  ufually  in  the  firft  place, 
poured  out  on  the  houfe  of  David,  and  the  inhabitants  of  Jerufalem,  a 
fpirit  of  grace  and fupplication. — That  we  may  continue  to  wait  at 
his  footftool,  he  condefcends  to  beftow  his  fpecial  and  extraordinary 
grace  in  anfwer  to  the  prayers  which  he  himfelf  has  infpired 

Parents,  train  up  your  children  in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of 
the  Lord.  Your  houfes  fliould  be  temples  of  the  living  God,  in 
which  (hould  afcend  to  his  mercy-feat  the  continual  incenfe  of  your 
daily  facrifices.  Pious  parents  can  mofl  efFedually  preach  to  the 
hearts  of  their  children  by  their  afFe(5lionate  precepts,  and  their  holy 
example.  7*o?/r  inftruiftions  will  beft  prepare  them  to  receive  bene- 
fit from  the  public  ordinances  of  religion.  And  Oh  !  can  you  fee 
thefe  deareft  portions  of  yourfelves  ready  to  perifli  without  earneftly 
reaching  forth  a  hand  to  pluck  them  as  brands  from  the  burning  ! 

Children  obey  your  parents  in  the  Lord.  You  are  the  future 
hope  of  the  church  and  of  the  world.  Your  early  piety  will  be 
your  glory  and  your  happinefs.  And  remember  that  Shortly  the 
glory  of  your  Creator  and  Redeemer,  in  the  world,  will  reft  with  you. 

Beloved  brethren  !  Chnftians  of  every  clafs,  Be  yejledfajl  and 
immo'vable,  alivays  abounding  in  the  'work  of  the  Lord.  Adorn  the 
dodrine  of  God  your  Saviour  by  the  purity,  the  limplicity  and  fanc- 
tity  of  your  lives^  that  the  enemies  of  the  crofs  may  have  no  occa- 
fion  to  blafpheme  the  mafter  by  whofe  name  you  are  called.  Let 
God  witnefs  the  humility  of  your  fpirit,  the  fmcerity  and  fervor  of 
your  devotion. — Let  the  world  witnefs  your  niinifterial  charity  and 
Jove,  that  others  feeing  your  good  ivorks,  may  glorify  your  Father  in 
heaven.  We  pray,  dear  brethren,  that  God  may  ever  have  you  in 
his  holy  keeping.  Andnoiu  to  him  that  is  able  to  keep  you  from  fal- 
ling, and  to  prefcnt  youfauUh'fs  before  the  throne  of  his  glory,  nvith 
exceeding  joy  ;  to  the  only  luife  God  our  Saviour,  be  glory,  majejlyy 
dominion  and  power,  both  now  and  ever.      Amen.   Jude  24,25. 

Refolved,  That  this  General  Affembly  be  diifolved;  and  that  the 
rext  General  Affembly  be  required  to  meet,  in  the  firft  Prefbyterian 
Church  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  on  the  third  Thurfday  of  May 
next,  at  11  o'clock,  A.  M. 

Whereupon  the  Moderator  diffolved  the  Affembly,  agreeably  to 
the  form  prefcribed  in  the  Conftitution. 

Concluded  with  prayer. 


APPENDIX. 


\_LiJi  of  Churches  belonging  to  the  Synod  of  Albany,  the  Synod  of 
New-York  and  New-Jerfey,  and  to  the  Synod  of  Philadelphia  ; 
•which  have  contributed  to  the  contingent  fund*  of  the  General  Affem- 
bly,  from  June  \fl  1803,  to  May  ^ifl  1804,  both  days  inclu/ive; 
'with  the  f urns  contributed  by  each  :  publi/Jjed purfuant  to  an  order  of 
thefaidJJfembly.'] 

THE  Synods  of  Pittfburgh,  of  Virginia,  and  of  the  Caro- 
linas,  feverally  condudt  the  Miffionary  bufinefs,  in  a  feparate  capa- 
city. Hence  the  contributions  of  the  churches  under  their  care, 
pais  into  the  funds  of  thofe  Synods  rcfpedively;  and  no  account  of 
them  can  be  given  in  this  publication.  The  General  AfTembly  have 
recently  undertaken  the  Miffionary  bufinefs  within  the  limits  of  the 
Synod  of  Kentucky,  but  have  not,  as  yet,  received  any  accefTion 
to  their  funds  from  the  churches  in  that  quarter. 

Presbytery  of  Onedia: 
Whitefborough,      D.  3   34     New-Hartford,  D.  6  00 
Utica,  8   31      Coopers-Town,        li    12^ 

Total,  28  77i 
Presbytery  of  Columbia  : 

Troy, 12   it 

Presbytery  of  Albany  : 
Johnftown,  3   00 

From  other  Churches  in  the  faid  Prefbytery  not 

named,  13  25 

Total,      16  25 

*  The  fund  which  is  generally  expended  in  the  courfe  of  the  year,  for  Mif- 
fionary and  other  purpofes.  It  is  fo  called,  to  diftinguiih  ic  from  the  Ferma- 
ntntfund,  the  principal  of  which  is  kept  entire. 


70 


Presbytery  of  Netv-Tork  : 
Churches  of  New- York,  50  32     Newark, 
Orangedale,  28  07 

Connecticut  Farms,  8  48 

Springfield  4  50 

South  Kanover,  2   69 

From  other  churches  not  diftinrjuifhed, 


21    $0 

Morris  Town,  1 7  50 
^Voodbridge,  3'  00 
2d  Ch.  Woodbr.  4  00 


18  44 
Total, 
Presbytery  of  Long-Island  : 
Received  from  this  Prefbytery,  the  contributing  churches! 


not  being  named, 

Presbytery  of  Neiu-Brunfivich , 


160  50 


51    00 


24  00 


Kingwood,  Bethlehem, 

&  Alexandria, 
Lamington,  in  2  payments  21  48 
Amwell  &  Flemington,  9  60 
Trenton  &  Maidenhead,  7 

r  J-  19    20 

for  two  years,  j     ^ 

Allentown  &  Nottingham,  6  oc 
Baflcenridge,  35  40 

Cranberry,  12  00 


Freehold,  1 2 

Rackets  Town,  1 
Kingfton,  7 

Greenwich,    T 
&  Mansfield,  j     ^ 
New-Brunf\vick,9  50 


60 


Pri 


Nefliaminey,  7 

Woodbury  &  Timber-creek,  6 
Abington,  Norriton,  &  1 
New-Providence,        J 
Great  Valley,  for  2  years,    9 
Newton  and  Benfalem,  ~ 


Presbytery  of  Philadelphia : 


3«    35* 

Total, 
3  38 


199 


for  two  years, 


Weft  Nottingham, 

Rock, 

Chriftiana  Bridge, 

New-Caftle, 

Chefnut  Level, 

Upper  Odorara, 


Snowhill, 
Queponco, 


9  oc 


00     Fairfield, 

32      I  ft  Preft)yterian 

Ch.  Philad.  40  00 
00         ,      ,         J 

2d     do.     do.    77   27 

16     3d     do.     do.    34  38 

Aliens  Townfhip  2  50 

Deerfield,  1    27 

Total,     201   2? 

Presbytery  of  Netv-Caflle  : 

9  00     Pequea,  1 4  CO 

6  027  New-London,   20  50 
15   75      ad  Preft)yterian 

12   67i  ch.  of  Wilming.46   10 
9  00     ForksofBrand.  14  74 

10  00     Chanceford,         6  ^a 

Total,      164  2rf 
Presbytery  of  Len^u'u  : 

11  35     Buckingham,       8   03 

7  00 

Total,     16   -^% 


♦  On  June  14th,  1803,  this  chur:J.  paid  j6  dollar 
is  the  cxtraiils  of  laR  year. 


which    was  credited 


71 

Presbytery  of  Baltimore  : 

Dollars. 
Firft  Prefljyteriaa  church  of  Baltimore,  3*  00 

Presbytery  of  Carlifle: 
Upper  Connecacheague,  5  00     Upper  Marfli  creek,  1       ^^ 
Carlifle,  1 3  68       &  G.  Connewago,  j  ' 

Shearman's  Valley,  3  00     Eaft  &  \Veft  Con-  )      ^^ 

York  &  Hopewell,  10  00         necocheague,        J^ 

Tom's  creek,  ScPiney")        ^^     Middle  Spring,  3  00 

creek,  j"  '  _     , 

Total,    51   68 

Presbytery  of  Huntingdon  : 

BeUefonte  and  Sick  Run.  ^   H 

Total  CoUeaions,     946  04 

Two  interefting  papers  relating  to  Miflionary  concerns  among  the 
Indians,  were  read  before  the  Affembly ;  the  one  a  letter,  dated 
April  1 2th,  1804,  fiom  the  Rev.  Gideon  Blackburn,  the  other  a 
report  to  the  Synod  of  the  Carolinas  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Davis.  Mr. 
Blackburn  was  appointed,  thelaft  year,  by  the  AfTembly  to  aft  as  a 
Miflionary  for  two  months  among  the  Cherokee  nation  of  Indians. 
This  miflion  he  fulfilled  with  great  diligence,  zeal  and  judgment. 
His  ardour  to  promote  the  gofpel  induced  him  to  fpend  three  in- 
ftead  of  two  months  among  this  Indian  nation.  The  defign  of  Mr. 
Blackburn's  miffion  was,  not  fo  much  to  preach  the  gofpel  regularly 
to  them,  as  to  conciliate  their  efteem  and  affedion,  and  toeltablilli 
a  fchool  for  the  inftrudion  of  their  children.  This  was  judged  to 
be  the  beft  method  for  preparing  them  for  the  regular  preaching  of 
the  golpel. 

The  fuccefs  of  Mr.  Blackburn's  miflion  was  highly  encouraging. 
He  was  received  very  cordially,  and  permitted  by  the  Indians  to 
eftablilh  a  fchool,  to  which  they  fend  their  children.  "  On  the  firft 
day  (February  zift  there  came,  fays  Mr.  Blackburn,  11  fcholars; 
on  the  8th  of  March  there  were  16;  the  ayth  there  were  20;  and  k\t- 
ral  more  are  expefted  in  a  few  days,  as  foon  as  I  can  get  cloathing 
ready  for  them.  The  children  behave  paft  expeaation;  and  I  am 
perfuaded  by  a  difcipline  well  balanced,  by  inducements  and  well 
timed  authority,  they  can  be  kept  in  as  good  order  as  any  fchool  on 
the  continent.  Their  progrefs  is  very  remarkable.  The  M\  day 
feveral  of  them  could  diftindly  pronounce  half  of  the  alphabet.  By 
the  8th  of  March  all  of  them  could  fay  their  letters  backward  and 
forward,  and  could  know  them  wherever  they  could  fee  them; 
and  three  could  fay  their  abs.  They  continue  their  progrefs,  and 
I  flatter  myfelf  that  their  proficiency  will  exceed  the  moft  fangumc 
expeaations." 


72 

Since  the  eftablifhment  of  this  fchool,  Mr.  Blackburn  has  recei- 
ved a  very  earned  requeft  from  the  principal  chiefs  of  the  lower  dis- 
trift  of  the  nation  to  eftablifh  a  fchool  among  them. 

The  fpirit,  the  zeal,  the  ardour,  the  diligence  of  Mr.  Blackburn 
ftrikingly  appear  in  his  letter :  «'  I  have  fpent  three  months,"  fays  he, 
"in  clofe  fervice  to  the  inilitution  befide  numberlefs  attentions  I  am 
oblidged  to  pay  to  it  at  home.  The  intereft  I  feel  in  carrying  this 
biifinefs  into  effed,  v/ould  fecure  my  exertions,  ihould  I  receive  no 
pecuniary  returns  from  any  perfon  on  earth.  Should  the  Commit- 
J;ee  of  Millions  require  the  continuance  of  my  fervices,  I  will  ufe  every 
poiTible  means  to  forward  the  defign ;  and  if  they  Ihould  not,  both 
rpy  credit  and  happinefs  will  bind  me  not  to  let  it  fink,  if  in  my  pow- 
er. I  have  pledged  myfelf  to  the  nation,  and  my  property  is  at 
ftake  on  the  ifTue  of  the  undertaking." 

Larger  extrads  from  this  very  interefHng  letter  would  be  given, 
"were  it  not  for  the  intention  of  the  Committee  of  Miflions  to  pub- 
•li(h  it,  in  connexion  with  a  narrative  of  the  ftate  of  religion  in  va- 
rious parts  of  the  world  without  the  limits  of  the  Aflembly's  fuperin- 
tendence  and  jurifdiflion.  The  greater  part  of  this  narrative  was 
read  before  the  Aflembly,  and  received  their  approbation.  Accom- 
panied with  the  Aflcmbly's  narrative,  it  will  form  a  fmall  pamphlet; 
which  will  prefent  to  the  reader  an  interefting  viev/  of  the  ftate  of 
religion,  fo  far  as  relates  to  revivals  and  Miffionary  efforts,  throughout 
the  world.  By  this  publication  the  Committee  hope  at  once  toedi- 
ty  thofe  who  read  it,  and,  by  the  fale  of  it,  to  increafe  their  abili- 
ty for  carrying  on  .the  very  important  concerns  of  Miflions.  Thofe 
whodefire  to  aid  their  exertions,  will  do  well  to  purchafe  this  pam- 
phlet both  for  their  own  profit,  and  for  the  advancement  of  religion. 
The  Committee,  it  is  expefted,  will  take  meafures  for  circulating 
the  pamphlet  as  extenfively  as  they  can. 

Mr.  Davis  was  appointed  lafl  year  by  the  Synod  of  the  Carolioas, 
a  MilTionary  to  Indian  tribes  bordering  upon  their  limits.  The  Com- 
mittee appointed  to  form  this  appendix,  regret  that  they  have  not 
the  report  of  Mr.  Davis  in  their  hands,  and  have  to  rely  upon 
their  recollection  for  particulars.  This  Miffionary  was  cordially  re- 
ceived by  the  Indians.  He  fpent  among  them  two  or  three  months, 
during  which  time  he  eftablifhed  a  fchool  confiiling  of  25  Indian 
childien.  This  report  was  highly  interefling.  It  afforded  great  en- 
couragement to  hope  that  fuccefs  will  attend  miffionary  labours  among 
thofe  tribes. 

On  the  whole,  it  appears  that  it  has  pleafed  God  to  open  a  door 
for  much  ufefulnefs  among  the  Indian  tribes  bordering  upon  our  coun- 
try. Chriftians  have  reafbn  to  rejoice  in  the  profped,  that,  by  ef- 
forts, vigorous  and  well  conduced,  thefe  miferable  fons  of  Adam 
ipay  be  delivered  from  a  flate  of  barbarity  and  heathenifm,  gnd 


73 

brought  into  a  ftate  of  civilization  and  religion.  The  profped  is 
more  encouraging  and  flattering  than  it  has  been  at  any  paft  time. 
God  has  done  enough  to  convince  us  that  the  work  of  civilizing  and 
evangelizing  the  Indian  tribes  is  not  impoflible,  but  pradticable. 
What  heart  that  loves  the  Lord  Jefus  and  the  fouls  of  men  will  not 
rejoice?  Shall  the  golden  opportunity  be  fuffered  to  pafs  away  un- 
improved? Forbid  it  gracious  God!  Chriftians,  embrace,  improve 
it.  Let  the  rich  contribute  out  of  their  abundance  pecuniary  aid ; 
let  the  minifters,  who  can  devote  themfelves  to  this  fervice,  do  it; 
let  all  fend  up  their  fervent  cries  to  heaven  for  help;  and  we  may 
foon  behold  our  red  brethren  fitting  with  us  around  the  fame  table, 
and  meeting  with  us  to  worfhip  the  fame  divine  Saviour. 


Whereas  among  the  donation?,  for  pious  ufes,  made  to  the 
General  Aflembly  by  laft  will,  one  was  exprefled  in  a  very  infor- 
mal manner  ;  whereby  the  pious  intentions  of  the  donor  might,  per- 
haps have  been  defeated  :  ^nd  Whereas  it  is  expeded,  that  many 
fimilar  bequefts,  will  hereafter  be  made  ;  and  it  is  defired  that 
they  may  be  made  in  the  legal  form,  to  prevent  trouble,  expence 
and  difappointment :  The  committee  have  therefore  judged  it  ex- 
pedient to  fubjoin,  the 

FORM   OF   A   DEVISE   OR    BEQUEST    BY   LAST  WILL, 

To  the  General  Aflembly. 
To  the  Trujlecs  of  the  General  JJfemlly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church, 
in  the  United  States  of  America  ;  and  to  their  fuccejfors  and  ajfigns,  I 
give  and  devife  the  fiim  of  [or  a  certain  Mef- 

fuage  and  Trad  of  Land,  &c.]  to  be  added  to  their  permanent  fund ; 
and  the  clear  profits  applied  to  the  general  ufes  of  that  fund,  under  the 
direclioti  of  the  faid  JJfer.ihly.  [Ok,  to  be  applied  tcward fpreading  the 
gofpel  on  the  frontiers  of  the  United  States  :  OR,  toivard  civili-zing 
and  irJlruSing,  in  arts  and  religion,  the  Indians  of  North  America  ; 
tinder  the  direSion  of  the  faid  AJftmbly  ;]  according  as  the  pleafijre  of 
the  Teilator  (liall  be;  who  may  defignate  any  other  cbjcil:  of  piety 
or  charity  ;  and  the  corporation  are  bound,  by  charter,  to  apply  the 
donation  accordingly. 

The  Committee  of  MiiTions  have  appointed  the  Rev.  James 
Robinfon  a  Miffionary,  agreeably  to  the  Arfcn'bly's  recomnienda- 
iion  in  page  62. 


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